Western Counties (W)
Chard 13, Kingsbridge 13

THIS was a very well contested match with the draw, on balance, being the right result.

Chard went into this game without six of their squad because of knocks received in previous games, but coach Jim Wagstaff will have been encouraged by the endeavours of those players who came into the side.

Captain Ryan Hellier is fast becoming ' Mr Utility' and turned out at scrum half in this game, with James Twigg was back at fly half for his first senior match for three seasons.

Kingsbridge had all the early play and territorially were well on top but the Chard defence, led by flanker Jason Wright, was superb.

The pressure from Kingsbridge eventually told and a well worked move down the blindside resulted in visiting skipper Ben Glover crossing close to the posts.

The conversion was surprisingly missed, which would later prove crucial.
Chard replied with a penalty from Charlie Roberts, and the remainder of the half was fairly evenly contested as the visitors held on to their narrow advantage.

Fly-half Banfield kicked a long range penalty in the opening minutes of the second half to increase the visitors' lead to five points, but a superb bit of play by the Chard pack resulted in a terrific push over try with Max Gosden getting the credit. 

Roberts converted to put Chard ahead for the first time and then kicked a penalty to increase the lead.

In a frantic encounter Chard missed several kicks to touch which only added to the pressure.

A dramatic finish saw three players sent to the bin (two from Chard) and Kingsbridge levelled the game when replacement Stu Winzer crashed over. 

To the relief of the home supporters the conversion which would have won the game for Kingsbridge was missed so the final score of 13 each was a very fair result which also means that these two teams currently lie at the top of the table.

A solid performance from Chard but they will be hoping that at least some of their injured players will be available for selection next week.

Somerset Two South
Burnham 82, Chard 5

Chard 2nds were heavily beaten by their Burnham counterparts in what is the third really bizarre result between these two teams in a row.

Last season Chard were beaten heavily away at Burnham but then thrashed them at home. 

What is going on!?

Somerset Three South
Chard 3rds 24, Cheddar Valley 2nds 35

Cheddar turned up for this match with no front row so Chard's Carnell and Richards agreed to make up their team.

Chard took an early lead when Mike Burdon crossed for a try converted by Kevin George, and the lead was soon increased when Gareth Chubb forced his way over.

It was an even match and it was no real surprise when Cheddar took the lead with two converted tries.

Nathan Clapp then scored for Chard in what was a real ding dong battle before Cheddar got a penalty and a converted try to lead 17-24 at the break.

The visitors increased their advantage with a try in the opening minute of the second half, but Tom Hopkins ensured a bonus point for Chard when he reduced the arrears with a fourth try which George converted.

A late try from Cheddar gave them the 'win', but Chard will get the points because Cheddar were unable to start with their own front row. 

Credit to the visitors for turning up because if they had conceded the game they would have collected a five point penalty.

Next Saturday, Chard 1sts are at home to Crediton (3pm).