Somerset Cup
North Petherton Ladies 82, Chard Ladies 0

CHARD Ladies travelled to North Petherton to play in the Somerset Cup, their first non-friendly match.

Initial signs were good, and an early break from the Petherton backs was ended by a superb tackle into touch by full back Kerry Harris - far from her last such intervention in an inspired performance.

The Chard pack had good possession, but the home team’s experience started to show as they consistently ripped the ball from the battling Chard players.

After 20 minutes, the score was still only 12-0 but, from the second quarter onwards, the Pethy power and pace began to show and the half time score was 43-0.

The second half continued in the same vein, dominated by strong running by the hosts’ backs, resulting in regular tries.

Chard were not giving in, and further last ditch tackles by Harris, Mel Banfield, Jade Watts and Georgia Adams showed their spirit.

Every one of the Chard side put everything in to the game in the first true test in preparation for league rugby next season and, judging by the excellent spirit shown after the match, there will be more successful weekends ahead.

Chard team: Kirsty Carlos, Tara Smillie, Emma Harris, Jo Truscott, Beth Kelly, Elaine Stanier, Naomi Hopkins, Mel Banfield; Jade Watts, Georgia King, Liz George, Sarah Kneeshaw, Kelly Stamp, Georgia Adams, Kerry Harris Repacements: Nikki Armstrong, Louise Metherell, Suzannah Wilton, Lucy Gosden, Lucy Morgan, Chelsea Bale