Western Counties West
Chard 50pts, Burnham-on-Sea 12

WHAT a difference a week makes!

Having suffered a bit of a hammering at Torquay a week ago, Chard bounced back with a comprehensive win against basement side Burnham and scored eight tries in the process, five of which were converted by fly half Charlie Roberts, writes Glyn Hughes.

It was hard to understand that Burnham had actually beaten Torquay comfortably a few weeks ago.

It took Chard a bit of time to get going and several opportunities were missed in the opening quarter with the ball either being held up over the line or being carelessly knocked on.

However, the breakthrough came after 25 minutes when the impressive Luke Hill crossed the whitewash for a converted try following some good forward play. 

This score visibly lifted Chard and, within a very short time, prop Liam Mustchin had crossed for the second try and Chard were suddenly 14pts clear.

In time added on in the first half, Max Gosden, who was returning to the side after recovering from injury, scored Chard’s third try successfully goaled by Roberts to make it 21-0.

Chard made a few changes at the break and, a few minutes into second half, one of the replacements, Tom Monaghan, crashed over for the bonus point try, again converted.

Burnham were rewarded for battling on after Ryan Beard raced in from half-way.

Within minutes, Chard hooker Joe Mainwaring crossed for another try before captain Helliar went over after some interchanges with replacement James Twigg.

It was not long before winger Ryan Wingate got on the scoresheet before Burnham replied through Jake Harding, with Lee Vaughan converting.
Chard had the last word, however, when Ross Colenso touched down in the corner.

Chard - Stead, Wingate, Helliar (capt), Biss, Roberts, Szydelko, Herbert, Hyslop, Mainwaring, Mustchin, Johnson, Lewis, Hill, J Wright, Gosden. Reps (all used) - Twigg, Colenso, Monaghan.

Chard now have a two-week break and go again in the New Year with a trip to Kingsbridge on January 6.

A VERY depleted Chard 2nd XV were well beaten, 78-5, by league leaders Castle Cary.

Chard 3rd XV’s game at Yatton was cancelled.

One traditional game over the festive period will be Crewkerne Vets v Chard Vets, due to be played on Boxing Day.

Chard Ladies 22, Winscombe 43

CHARD began this fixture with a squad of 25, that not only showed the great growth in the club but also resulted in Winscombe being able to borrow players throughout the game to always ensure 15 a side. 

The game started with the home side camped in the Winscombe 22 but, after 13 minutes, a breakaway try by Abbie Young saw the visitors take the lead.

Chard continued to dominate in the scrums but once again struggled in the lineout. 

Charging runs by Emma Harris, Claude Farmer and Sarah Kneeshaw, saw dents being made in the visitors’ defence but they did not take advantage of any overlaps created.

The visitors extended their lead with a converted try and added a penalty before Jade Watts dived over just before the break.

The second half followed the same pattern with Chard pressure ending in a breakaway try by the visitors.

Chard hit back through Chelsea Bale then scores were exchanged as Lillie Podedesz took her tally to four tries for the visitors before Beth Kelly and Sarah Kneeshaw replied.

The conversion was successful by Georgia Adams.

Chard can take great encouragement from this match as four tries were scored and all players lent to Winscombe played as hard as if they were playing for Chard. 

There were good performances from Georgia King, who is improving with each outing, and especially the returning Kat, Chief and Claude Farmer.
Special mention goes to Matt and his coaching team.