Western Counties West
Devonport Services 27pts, Chard 1st XV 5

CHARD suffered their first defeat of the season when they travelled to Plymouth on Saturday to play what is believed to be the first match between these two clubs at Devonport’s Rectory Stadium, writes Glyn Hughes.

They had an awful start when they knocked on the ball when receiving the kick-off and from the resultant scrum Devonport went ahead with a converted try in the corner from Toby Knowles which gave them a seven-point lead.

The game was played in atrocious conditions with wind and rain being a significant factor throughout. 

To a man, Chard defended heroically but were rarely a threat going forward and they also lost a player to the bin. 

Skipper for the day Max Gosden, Jason Wright, Nick Hyslop and Joe Mainwaring were particularly outstanding.

Midway through the half, Knowles added a second try for Devonport and right on the half-time whistle Rhys Williams went over for try number three which was converted.

Chard had more of the play in the second half and pulled a try back when the lively Mainwaring darted over.

A penalty in front of the posts and a late try from Fijian prop Miqa Waga, who had struggled against Chard prop Liam Mustchin in the tight, sealed a comfortable victory for Devonport.

On Saturday, Chard have a home fixture against Falmouth (3pm). 

CHARD 2nd XV entertained Winscombe 2nds in Somerset Division 2S and were beaten 34-10.

This Saturday, they go to Somerton.

Somerset Division 3S
Chard 3rd XV 32pts, Crewkerne 2nd XV 31

THIS was a true social game. Crewkerne turned up several players short but Chard provided them with enough players and battle commenced.

Stuart Sugar and Tom Hopkins gave Chard an early lead but a converted try from Crewkerne made the score 10-7 at half-time.

Another unconverted try put Chard further ahead and further scores from James Herbert, Sugar and Nathan Clapp put Chard well clear at 32-14 until a late flurry set up a close finish, but the hosts held on.

On Saturday, the 3rd XV host Wyvern (3pm).