Western Counties West
Tiverton 21, Chard 17

THIS was a very tight encounter between two evenly matched teams, but in the very heavy conditions Chard could only salvage a losing bonus point in injury time, writes Glyn Hughes.

Chard gave away a number of penalties early on and were punished when Matt Down slotted over his first attempt at goal after only a few minutes.

The visitors put the home forwards under pressure to win a penalty, converted by Charlie Roberts, but then they were caught out by a quick tap penalty and Wayne Sprangle scored an unconverted try for the hosts.

Chard conceded their eighth penalty of the half, kicked by Down for an 11-3 half-time lead.

The Chard forwards hit back hard, earning a penalty try when Tiverton collapsed a drive, but the away side then made a hash of the restart, and from the scrum Greg Mills scored under the posts, and the hosts led 18-10.

They increased that to 21-10 with another penalty, but into the eighth minute of injury time, and with two Tivvy players in the bin, Chard were rightly awarded a second penalty try, giving them a bonus point.

Other results did Chard no favours, so there are just four points separating six clubs, all aiming to avoid joining Burnham in being relegated.

Chard host fellow strugglers Torquay Athletic in a vital clash on Saturday (3pm).

Chard skipper Ryan Helliar and coach Jim Wagstaff urge all Chard supporters to come out in force to support the team and get the victory they need.

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BOTH Chard 2nd XV and 3rd XV were all ready to play at Crewkerne Road against Tor and Wincanton, respectively, on Saturday.

But Tor failed to turn up, so the 3rds had the luxury of having quite a few subs.

The hosts had the advantage of the slight slope in the first half, but Wincanton got the first points after being awarded a penalty in front of the posts.

Chard pressed down the left wing and Billy Vernon spotted a route through the Wincanton defence to score the only try of the game.

Chard made seven changes at half time, and when Wincanton attacked the defence was superb.

Although neither team scored in the second half it was full of action, as Chard held firm to win 5-3.

Chard 3rds are at Yatton 3rds this coming Saturday, and Chard 2nds play at Wells 2nds.