CHARD RFC went into their Western Counties North clash with Cirencester went without injured skipper Mark Parsons along with influential Ben Stead but still ran out comfortable winners, writes Glyn Hughes.

And the 34pts-5 victory will put them in good heart for their most important match of the season to date – Saturday’s visit of Old Centralians.

Hooker Jon Hendy started on the bench after a tiring week for him, his wife and new son Jack.

Lee Carter moved back to hooker and Dan Goetz came in for a start in the back row.

Despite the miserable weather conditions a good crowd turned up to watch this first visit of Cirencester to Chard.

Although the home side had the upper hand in the opening exchanges the conditions were not conducive to playing good rugby and both sides took time to adapt.

Chard put Cirencester under a lot of pressure but the visitors were very good defensively and the cutting edge normally associated with the Chard backs was missing as they took some big hits.

Chard eventually went ahead after 25 minutes when Carter drove over under the posts for the opening try following a series of five metre scrums which had really tested the Cirencester forwards. Paul Nicholls converted.

Cirencester were conceding a number of penalties but the slippery conditions made things difficult and Nicholls missed two attempts at goal which he would normally have expected to get.

When they did get possession Cirencester showed that they had some pace in their side and were not afraid to move the ball wide.

After 35 minutes play Cirencester got on the score sheet with a well struck penalty from James Fisher.

But Nicholls replied just before the break to leave the half time score 10-3.

Unfortunately Goetz had to leave the field with a knee injury so Carter moved to the back row and Hendy took up his usual role in the front row.

Chard also replaced Lee Massey and Simon Boyd with Ben King and George Elliot respectively.

The weather and the Chard performance improved a great deal in the second half with the Chard forwards dominating play in the set and the loose.

The referee awarded a penalty try to Chard following repeated warnings to the visitors for illegal defensive work and soon afterwards Hendy father of Jack crashed over for try No3.

The Chard backs were still finding it difficult to run the ball and break the gain line but some astute kicks from Chris Doak gained a lot of ground.

From ensuing lineouts the Chard forwards set the platform for two more tries with Ryan Helliar and Nick Hyslop getting the touch downs. Nicholls added two more conversions.

Cirencester got a late but well deserved try when Ashley Scrivens crossed the Chard line in the dying moments of the game.

A good win for Chard that keeps their promotion hopes on target.