South West 1 West
Chard 1st XV 5, Weston 36

HAVING been postponed twice – due to floodlight failure and then a waterlogged pitch – Chard and Weston eventually got this game completed, writes Glyn Hughes.

With several players expecting this to be a non-playing weekend, Chard lost at least four regulars from their side but this allowed others to take their chance and they did not disappoint as lowly Chard tested the unbeaten league leaders.

Chard were hit with a severe blow after only 10 minutes when their outstanding prop Dave Biss suffered a probable season-ending injury, a suspected broken collar bone, and was replaced by Benne Mainwaring.

Despite plenty of effort, Chard committed several basic errors which Weston clinically punished.

Chard got back into things when Taalieb Johnson made a fine break down the narrow side and scored an unconverted try in the corner to make the half-time score 21-5 to Weston.

The Chard forwards gave Weston as good a contest up front as they have had from anyone this season – Ben Robinson, Liam Mustchin and Mainwaring were superb in the front row.

Behind them, the rest of the pack – Max Gosden, Harry Miller, Will Hopkinson, Ashley Smith and Dan Goetz – also had very good games.

The bottom line, however, is that against a good side like Weston your errors will always get punished, and this proved to be the case.

Weston acknowledged after the game they were surprised how competitive Chard were.

On Saturday, Chard have another tough match when they travel to Gloucester to take on Matson, seeking their first away win of the season.

Kick off is at 2.30pm, and Chard will need to leave in plenty of time to allow a full pre-match preparation, as they have arrived at too many away venues with little time to spare.

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Somerset Division 2S
Chard 2nd XV 12, North Petherton 2nd XV 5

A GOOD crowd turned up to see this re-arranged fixture played under lights on Friday night.

Chard started off well and were on top in the opening quarter but were unable to get on the scoresheet.

The game had to be stopped for a few minutes when the referee was hit by the ball after a misdirected kick.

Chard took the lead when hooker Joel Nicholls forced his way over, after good work by the Chard pack.

Chard’s youthful side certainly had the better of the first half but, right on half-time visiting full-back Steven Potter crossed for an unconverted try to equal things up.

Petherton had the better of things initially in the second half, but Chard defended well, and broke clear through right winger Emile Szydelko, who was stopped close to the try line.

Chard recycled the ball well, and quick passing sent the ball out wide for Joe Mainwaring to score in the left hand corner, Cam Helliar converting for 12-5.

With nearly 70 minutes gone the referee appeared to collapse having apparently been struck accidentally by a visiting player.

He was treated by the Chard medical team but the game ended, with Chard deemed to have won.

On Saturday, Chard 2nds are at home to Yeovil 2nds.

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Friendly
Crewkerne 28, Chard 3rd XV 24

CHARD travelled over the hill to play Crewkerne in a friendly on Saturday in their first competitive game since late January.

Crewkerne were short of a few players and Chard’s Gavin Smillie, Mick Duffy and Eric Singleton started for the home team.

Connor Moon crossed for Chard, but Smillie ran for the hosts; Olly Singleton scored a penalty for Crewkerne, who extended their lead through Liam Bushell’s breakaway try.

Jamie Gosling and Luke Chant added further tries; Nathan Clapp, Tom Spurway and Keith Milton replied for Chard, but in vain.

On Saturday, Chard 3rd XV are at league leaders Weston; Chard Colts are at home to Frampton Cotterell Colts.