HOCKEY: Ruth Butcher scores six as Chard ladies thump Burnham-on-Sea

AN incredible six goals from Ruth Butcher kept Chard ladies’ hopes of a great escape alive, as they thumped Burnham to record a third straight win.

Burnham have been in good form themselves of late, but were no match for hosts Chard – particularly Butcher, who now has 10 goals in two games.

A short corner strike gave them the ideal start, and it was 5-1 at half time.

Three more goals in the second period wrapped up a victory that was as emphatic as it was important.

This latest success followed wins over ECVH (4-2) and league leaders Taunton Vale 3rds (4-3), which see Chard sitting on 13 points.

They are second bottom in the table still, as Taunton Vale 4ths beat Minehead on Saturday to stay three points ahead with a far superior goal difference, with Winscombe 2nds two points up on Chard.

Therefore Chard (goal difference of -25) must win this Saturday, away to bottom side White Eagles 2nds, and hope that Winscombe (-22 goal difference) pick up no more than one point from their remaining two games, away to Burnham (March 25) and at home to ECVH (April 1), if they are to secure survival.

GOAL RUSH: One of Chard's eight goals against Burnham last Saturday. Pic: Chard Hockey Club

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Sunday Friendly Match
Weymouth 3, Chard 3

CHARD travelled across the Devon and Dorset borders to Weymouth for their usual Sunday friendly.

Hosts Weymouth produced a stronger team and Chard knew from the outset they were going to have to work hard.

The game was evenly matched, with every attack Weymouth had being answered by a good counter attack from Chard.

Weymouth had the strength to get to the top of the D and smash the ball towards goal, while Chard were more tactful with their goals.

Great passing set up two goals for Kerryn Mullis, with Sue Stoker influential.

The third came from Abbi Wheaton after a fine run down the wing.

There was great defensive work from Chard too, and some great runs from Emma Cridland, in what was a superb team display.