THE Chard faithful travelled in significant numbers to see their team beaten 62-7 in their first ever fixture against Brixham in National league 3 (SW), writes Glyn Hughes.

The pitch at Brixham is on a bit of a slope but the facilities for supporters are excellent and the Chard contingent enjoyed wonderful hospitality before and after the game which was sponsored by St Austell Brewery.

The stand was packed as Chard started the game playing up the Astley Park slope in the first half.

Both teams knew that Chard should have won the fixture on home soil earlier in the season but it was not long before Chard realised they would be in for a much tougher outing this time round.

Home skipper and centre Tom Mclean went over for the first of what would be four tries for himself after only five minutes play and despite plenty of effort it was clear that the ability and pace of the home threequarters would cause Chard a lot of problems during the afternoon.

Brixham doubled their lead after 14 minutes play with another converted try when they were aided by some by indifferent tackling from the Chard side.

Another converted try after 20 minutes, when a Brixham prop crashed over, meant that with still 60 minutes to go Chard trailed 21-0 and a hammering looked on the cards However the game was a lot more even in the next quarter.

And after good work by Rob Burrell, Paul Mortenson and the rest of the pack, skipper Mark Parsons drove over for a fine try after 36 minutes.

With Harrison getting the conversion, Chard were to a certain extent back in the game, particularly as they would have the advantage of the slope in the second half.

Chard however were caught cold from the re-start and some slack play all round allowed Brixham to get their fourth and bonus point try, which although unconverted, meant that Chard trailed 26-7 at the interval.

The Chard supporters fully expected their side to really get back in to the match in the second half but it was not to be.

Despite pressurising the home side on their line for some time they lost possession at key moments and some superb handling on the counter-attack by Brixham resulted in two more tries which put the game out of sight as far as Chard were concerned.

Chard’s already injury-ravaged squad was then dealt another double blow as both Harrison and Hyslop had to leave the field after taking knocks and with all three replacements being used Chard went into freefall in the final quarter.

The home supporters were thrilled to see their team go over for four more tries whereas Chard were happy when they heard the final whistle.

One of the Brixham players had gone down with what appeared to be a bad ankle injury in the final moments of the game. All at Chard hopes he makes a quick recovery.

Clearly Chard were second best on the day but did not really deserve to lose by such a margin This Saturday Chard are at home to fellow strugglers Weston with the game kicking off at 2. 30pm.

The 2nd and 3rd XV games last weekend were called off because ground conditions were too wet.

This week the 2nds are away to North Petherton 2nds in Tribute Somerset 1.