Western Counties West
Chard 10, St Ives 19

CHARD lost at home to St Ives, who clinched the league title with this very close win on Saturday, writes Glyn Hughes.

The hosts were competitive throughout but touches of class by St Ives settled the issue, with Chard disappointed not to earn even a losing bonus point.

The home side had the upper hand in the opening quarter, and took a deserved lead when, after a lot of forward pressure, Dave Biss went over for an unconverted try.

A number of attacks from St Ives were repelled by some superb defensive work.

Just as it looked as if Chard would lead at half time, the visitors broke clear and scored through their scrum-half, with the try being converted to make it 7-5 at half time.

The away side looked really sharp on the restart, and again their number 9 grabbed a converted try.

An already difficult pitch was made worse by the rain, but the St Ives forwards rumbled over for a third try, making it 19-5.

Chard came back strongly, though, and midway through the half Biss crossed the line for his second try of the game.

The hosts put everything they had into the final minutes but fell short, leaving them in eighth place, just four points clear of the relegation zone.

With games against Tiverton (away), Torquay (home) and Truro (away) to come, their fate is well within their own hands.

Next Saturday they have a free weekend before travelling to Tiverton on Saturday, April 7.

***

IN Somerset 2 South, Chard 2nds scrambled to get a side together to face Weston-super-Mare 4ths.

Weston were too good on the day, winning 67-7, but Chard were rewarded for their efforts when Steve Long went over and Nick Coombs converted.

There are two rearranged games this weekend, with the 2nd XV at Bridgwater & Albion 3rds, and the 3rds hosting Taunton 3rds.