CHARD 1st XV had no match at the weekend but results from matches played in Somerset Premier on Saturday mean their fixture at bottom-side Old Sulians in Bath this Saturday is vital if they are to avoid slipping back into a relegation dogfight, writes Glyn Hughes.

In the past two weeks, Winscombe have moved above Chard with two surprisingly easy victories in games they were expected to lose.

And Wells, who were six points below, had an equally surprisingly big win against Chew Valley to close the gap between them and Chard to only four points.

Wells also have a better points difference than Chard.

Chard, Wells and Old Sulians have all got to play each other in the next few weeks so Chard must win at least one of these games.

Sulians have only won one match this season but that was against a North Petherton side who are challenging for promotion and who beat Chard comfortably a few weeks ago.

Anything therefore seems possible in matches in this division so Chard will surely be on their guard and make sure that the weeks preparations go well and that they travel to Bath in plenty of time with the strongest squad they can.