GoCrea8 Men’s Hockey League
Southern 1
Torbay 5, Chard 2

CHARD men’s 1st XI had their relegation from Southern 1 confirmed on Saturday, as they lost 5-2 at ninth-placed Torbay.

It leaves them six points adrift of safety with just one game left – a home match with eighth-placed Plymouth Marjon B this coming Saturday (2pm start).

After two successive promotions, it’s been a tough season for Chard, who’ll look to bounce back next year.

South East 2
Chard A 12, Sidmouth & Ottery C 1

THE men’s 2nds returned to winning ways in emphatic style at the weekend, and  now just need a win or draw in their final match of the season next Saturday (2.30pm) at Yeovil and Sheborne to win promotion.

Missing some established players, and with young Charlie Grossey filling in at right-back and veteran winger Gary Wheaton at left-back, attack seemed the best form of defence.

Kyle Wheaton may have his critics, but when he is in the mood he is nigh-on unstoppable.

He grabbed the first goal, with Gareth Eggle adding two, Harvey Denning one and Wheaton his second for a 5-1 half-time scoreline, while the visitors converted a short corner.

The second half was even more emphatic, with Kyle Wheaton again the star of the show.

He scored four more to take his tally to six, and set up goals for Eggle (who made it 20 for the season by ending the day with four) and one for skipper Jason Goddard.

South East 2
Minehead B 5, Chard B 3

PLAYING in bitterly cold weather, Chard’s 10 men could not compete in the end against a much stronger than usual Minehead team.

The home side started briskly as the visitors tried to adapt to the missing player, and Minehead eventually scored from a penalty corner.

Chard struck back immediately, though, as Alec Evans found space and he scored with a pinpoint shot.

The game swung from end to end, and goals were exchanged before half time, with Steve Dare converting two drag flicks into the roof of the net, so at half time it was 3-3.

The second period belonged to Minehead, who had the legs in midfield while Chard struggled, losing three more players during the game.

The hosts scored two after the break, the best of them a reverse stick effort, which brought them a deserved win.

Despite this, it was a good display from Chard’s younger players despite the bitter weather.

Man of the match: Alec Evans, KC Hubbard, Riley Millet and Barney Cooper.

Chard team: Hibbard, Dare, Mooney, Cheffey, Lewis, Millet, Jones, Reader, Cooper, Evans.

On Saturday they finish up at league leaders East Devon C (1pm).

West Clubs Women’s League
Sedgemoor Division 2
Taunton Vale 5ths 1, Chard 4

HAVING already wrapped up the league title, Chard ladies remain on course to make it 20 wins out of 20.

They won 4-1 at Vale 5ths thanks to goals from Lyndsay Blackshaw, Sasha Taylor, Jess Withers and Kerryn Mullis.

This Saturday they host third-placed White Eagles 2nds (12.30pm).