CHARD RFC marched on at the top of Western Counties North with an excellent 40pts-15 success at Whitehall on Saturday.

With five of their last seven games away from home, Chard have a really tough run-in as they push hard for a second successive promotion, writes Glyn Hughes.

The first of these away games was at Whitehall in Bristol on Saturday – and whatever the scoreline might suggest this was a very hard competitive game between two useful teams and it took another great second half performance from Chard to turn things round.

Chard played down the slope and with the sun and a stiff breeze at their backs in the first half.

It seemed likely that Chard would need a comfortable half time lead before having to face the elements themselves.

Chard started strongly but despite having most of the play territorially they failed to take advantage of the situation and several chances were lost until finally after 30 minutes full back Ben Stead joined the line at pace and went over for the first try. Paul Nicholls converted.

Within a few minutes Whitehall, who had defended resolutely, made a good surge into the Chard half and won a penalty which Chris Channon duly kicked.

The Chard forwards had had several good drives towards the home line during the half and at last their efforts were rewarded when from a set move Jon Hendy got the touchdown for the second try which was again converted by Nicholls.

The referee played eight minutes of injury time in the half and this gave Whitehall a chance to score after Chard had failed to clear their lines.

And when the try from Jake Lucas was converted by Channon the home side only trailed 14-10 at the break.

The Whitehall supporters, not to mention the team, must have thought that they were now favourites to go on and win the match.

But Chard played far better in the second half and a storming run from Jim Wagstaff in the opening minutes gave Whitehall a taste of what was to come.

The home side were unable to take adavantage of the conditions which were now in their favour and they suffered a blow after less than ten minutes when the referee awarded Chard a penalty try after several infringements from the hosts close to their own line. Nicholls again converted.

Whitehall were effectively out of the game shortly afterwards when a fine counter-attacking move by Chard from deep in their own half ended with Lee Massey scoring a fourth and bonus point try for Chard.

Nicholls, who kicked really well in the game, again added the extras.

In a desperate attempt to get back into the game Whitehall began to take risks and before long Wagstaff had pounced onto a mistake from the full back and crossed for another converted try.

Chard seem to like conceding late tries these days so it was no real surprise they lost concentration, missed a few tackles and allowed Lucas to cross their line for a second time.

Chard had the final say however when centre Neil Douglas crossed for try number six.

This Saturday Chard are away again when they play Western Hornets in what is sure to be another very competitive match (kick-off 2.30pm).

With the match being relatively local Chard are hoping for significant travelling support.