CHARD were without the services of eight players who have turned out for the first team this season but were still strong enough to win 13-5 at promoted Bideford in South West 1.

And in doing so they avoided an unwelcome double after losing to St Austell, another promoted club, seven days earlier. Chard were unable to have a full bench but were still able to turn out a useful side.

They were totally dominant in the opening quarter and the hosts rarely got out of their own half.

It was inevitable that Chard would go in front and this they did with a penalty from skipper Chris Doak after six minutes.

Chard increased their lead with a smart move down the blind side after some good work from their powerful forwards. The ball went out to Neil Douglas who sneaked over in the corner for an unconverted try.

It was all Chard at this point and the home supporters were beginning to fear a real drubbing when Chard soon crossed for try number two.

Doak ran a good line, carved through the home defence, and fed winger Glen Harding who raced over in the right hand corner for a terrific try.

Harding, who had come in at the last minute for Ben Stead went on to have a very useful game.

Less than 20 minutes gone and Chard were 13 points to the good.

At St Austell Chard were vulnerable to the counter attack and they were nearly caught out twice again late in the half when the home side were quick to spot an opportunity.

Had it not been for some great defensive covering from Harding and full back Bryan Harrison Chard could easily have conceded two tries.

As it was they held out to maintain their advantage at the break.

After a good start to the game Chard were guilty of making a lot of basic errors although the damp conditions were not conducive to good handling.

And Chard’s cause was not helped by the sin-binning of Joe Massey who appeared to be the victim of mistaken identity.

Bideford realised they had got out of jail in the first half by keeping Chard to 13 points and really began to feel they had a chance to get back into the match.

They played really well right from the whistle and their belief grew when Jack Buckland broke through the centre to score an unconverted try early in the second period.

Chard always looked the stronger side but another yellow card, this time for prop Lovesy, did not help their cause and a high percentage of dropped and forward passes spoilt several good scoring opportunities.

The Chard forwards, with Wagstaff, Mouland, Henley and Jenkins prominent, put the home forwards to the sword but the team lacked the final flourish which could well have given the scoreline a better look.

With five minutes to play Chard were again guilty of being caught on the counter, but somehow having made a break of over 80 metres, the home side somehow managed to mess things up when a try looked a certainty.

So Chard held on for their third win from four so far this campaign.

Chard: Harrison, Harding, L Massey, Douglas, J Massey, Doak (capt), Helliar, Wagstaff, Parsons, Gosden, Henly, Mouland, Jenkins, Hyslop, Lovesy. Replacements: Riley, Biss.

On Saturday Chard are at home to Sidmouth (3pm).

There is a Vice Presidents lunch prior to the game at 1pm and anyone coming who has not yet confirmed their attendance can do so by phoning Rob Gilbert on 07989-927797.

With the possibility of three games at home next Saturday, players, spectators, and Vice Presidents visitors are reminded that parking at the ground will be very limited and that the car park will be full very early.