Western Counties West
St Austell 47, Chard 20

CHARD were well beaten by a useful St Austell outfit, but they battled back well in the second half to claim a bonus point by breaching the home defence on four occasions, writes Glyn Hughes.

Chard played up the slope in the first half and initially they carried the ball well, but injuries to prop Liam Mustchin and winger Ryan Wingate meant replacements coming on early and positional changes to complicate matters.

Still the visitors kept St Austell at bay for 20 minutes, but the hosts eventually went ahead with a try from Liam Freeman, which he also converted.

St Austell then had a purple patch and scored three quick tries, and with two of these being converted they led 26-0.

David Biss powered over from close range to get Chard on the scoreboard, but another try right on half time meant the home side led 33-5.

St Austell showed why they are promotion candidates with another converted try, but the away side competed well and, with Dougie Herbert shining at scrum-half, chances were made for and taken by Luke Hill, Scott Johnson and Joe Mainwaring.

Chard conceded one more converted try before the end but they can be very proud of their second-half display, and the bonus point could well be crucial.

The 1st XV do not have a game this weekend.

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Somerset 2 South
Chard 2nds 12, Yeovil 2nds 46

HOSTS Chard started brightly, but a couple of early infringements gifted Yeovil a 6-0 lead, before a quick penalty led to a converted try for the visitors.

More mistakes followed, and Yeovil got two more tries to lead 27-0.

After the break, the home side got on the board with a try started by a fine run from Nathan Clapp, and Nick Coombes finished.

Yeovil scored three more tries, but Benn Mainwaring, in his first game in six months after injury, set up Chard’s second, getting within a yard of the line, with Dave Tucker scoring.

Chard lost 46-12, but 20 players making themselves available for the game was a big bonus ahead of this Saturday’s rearranged fixture away to Winscombe.

Chard 2nd XV: Arron Lewis, Nathan Clapp, Gavin Smillie, Steve Long, Brian Sugar (c), Eric Singleton, Jordon Beale, Josh Moore, Nicholas Coombs, Ieuan Watkins, Gavin Watts, Michael Farting, Jim Grossey, Phil Goodridge Reynolds, Chris Doel, Chester Maglo, Noah Carnell, Andrew Mckerrow, David Tucker, Benn Mainwaring, Keith Milton.

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Chard & Ilminster News:

CHARGE: Player of the match Sarah Kneeshaw. Pic: Gary Bide Photography

Chard Ladies 17, Crediton Ladies 5

A PULSATING and physical match, with two committed teams, saw Chard Ladies come out on top on Sunday.

Early signs were good for Chard, as the home team’s forwards dominated.

A scrum was won against the head by forward of the match Zanna Wilton, picked up by Chelsea Bale, and Emma Harris dived over.

It was 12-0 at half time, after the forwards released the ball to the backs at the right moment, and Jade Mowlem scored – Georgia Adams converting.

Both sides made superb tackles to prevent more tries, with player of the match Sarah Kneeshaw on top form.

Kelly Stamp lost the ball as she was tackled on the try-line, but from the scrum Jade Watts stole the ball and scored her side’s third try.

Crediton got on the board with a try from the last move of the match, but this was a great performance from Chard and a fitting send-off for inspirational scrum-half and captain Jade Watts.