CHARD entertain Bournemouth in National league 3 tomorrow (2pm) still looking for just their second win of the season.

Last weekend a large contingent of Chard supporters travelled to North Devon for what was believed to be the first time Chard have played Barnstaple on their own patch but were disappointed as the home side won 27-12.

The hospitality was excellent but the game was played in absolutely atrocious conditions with the home side eventually getting the edge with two late tries and having the knack of making the most of their opportunities.

It soon became apparent that the conditions would dictate the type of rugby on offer and in many ways this suited Chard in that a dogged forward battle in the mud seemed inevitable.

Territorially Chard were well on top for much of the first half with all the forwards playing well in the tight scrums and in general loose play.

However, as well as they played in these areas they were let down by some very poor play in the key area of the lineout.

On at least four occasions Chard lost the ball against the throw in the line-out when in very good attacking positions close to the home try line.

They were made to pay for this when Barnstaple got good possession for the first time when a Chard kick failed to make touch and Barnstaple broke away down the left hand side.

A few tackles were missed and some good handling resulted in winger Luke Berry going over for a try which he converted himself.

Chard pressed again from the restart but in only their second real sortie into the Chard half Barnstaple increased their lead when Berry slotted a penalty goal after Chard failed to release the ball in the tackle.

The rest of the half was played out in the mire close to the home line and eventually Chard got some reward for their efforts when following a drive towards the line Rob Burrell slipped the ball to ‘Stan’ Mortensen who went over for a well deserved try.

Lawton who had missed an early penalty attempt made no mistake this time and Chard trailed by three.

The weather conditions were appalling with the players having to deal with hail sleet and rain not to mention the cold and it was with some relief that they disappeared into the changing rooms under the stand for a well earned break.

Barnstaple had the wind in their favour in the second half and increased their slender lead almost immediately when Berry was again the man who slid over in the left hand corner for an unconverted effort.

Whereas Chard had been the dominant side in terms of territory in the opening half it was all Barnstaple for the next twenty minutes or so and Chard were pinned back deep in their own half.

The hosts increased their lead in somewhat odd circumstances because they managed to win the ball against the head when up to this point the Chard scrum had been rock solid.

They used the possession well and went over for try No3 which Berry again converted.

Twelve points down with the weather getting worse Chard were now really up against it but they summoned some hidden reserves of energy and were rewarded when Mortensen got his second try of the game.

With Lawton having been replaced Neil Douglas took responsibility for the conversion but his attempt drifted wide.

In the dying minutes and in fact with the last play of the game Barstaple broke clear and got a fourth and bonus point try.

Both sides deserved credit for doing their best in appalling conditions but Barnstaple earned their win because they were able to capitalise on the opportunities that came their way.

Chard: Harrison, Lawton, Douglas, Helliar, Riley, Twigg, Johnson, Parsons (capt) Wright, Burrell, Mortensen, Henley, Hyslop, Barlett, Aplin, Robinson, Gosden.