CHARD 2nds lost 43-14 at Bridgwater 2nds in Tribute Somerset 1 but the game was closer than the score suggests as Chard competed well throughout the match.

Some regular starters were not available so late changes were necessary, though the team still played with plenty of application and spirit.

In the first half the hosts dominated territory and possession to the extent that all the play was in the Chard half with their line under constant pressure.

With all that momentum and opportunity Bridgwater should have been out of sight by half time, but so gutsy was the Chard defensive effort, that the hosts led only 12-0 at the break.

Chard needed a good start to the second half but that didn’t happen. Collective hesitation was exploited by the home scrum half who managed to worm his way through a sea of defenders to score under the posts – to the disbelief of the visitors.

With their tails up, Bridgwater upped their intensity but it was Chard who scored next with a great show of determination and indomitable spirit by impressive youngster Douggie Caddick who regularly caught the eye at scrum half. Sam Mouland converted.

The hosts responded immediately, storming back upfield and making camp in the Chard 22. The pressure told and two quick scores made the game safe for the hosts.

Despite the unassailable lead Chard kept at it, the ‘never-say-die’ Billy Biss again to the fore, burrowing his way over the Bridgwater line to score near the posts emerging from a pile of bodies with the ball, a broad smile and blood leaking from his face. Mouland slotted the conversion.

Late in the game Chard played their best attacking rugby. Centre Matt Tinley, whose pace and purpose created regular panic in the home defence, looked especially impressive. Tinley’s breaching of the defensive line should have led to more scores but spilled ball or covering tackles spoilt his efforts.

The ‘can do’ spirit continued to the end – for work rate and commitment, flanker Billy Brooks deserves a special mention. His tackle rate was outstanding and he regularly slowed down the hosts’ attacking options with his positional sense.