IT was a tough weekend for Chard Hockey Club, with three of their four teams beaten on Saturday.

Chard men’s 1sts suffered their third defeat from four games in Central 2, coming unstuck at home to unbeaten Team Bath Buccs D and losing 6-3.

The 2nd XI also lost by three goals, 4-1 away to Isca D, to remain without a point after four matches in South East 1.

Chard B enjoyed more success, drawing 1-1 at Sidmouth & Ottery B, to keep themselves in mid-table in South East 2.

As for Chard ladies, they are still without a win having won promotion back up to Sedgemoor Division 1.

Their latest result was a 1-0 loss at home to White Eagles 2nds; they are on two points from four games.

This coming Saturday, the men’s 1st XI go to Mendip (noon start), Chard A host ECV Hornets A (2pm), the B team are at home to ECV Hornets B (12.30pm), and the ladies are without a league match this weekend.

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Chard Sunday Ladies 1, Salisbury Sunday Ladies 1

ON a sunny Sunday which felt more like July than the end of October, Chard faced last year’s development league winners.

Salisbury certainly looked a well-drilled team and the first 10 minutes were pretty even, though it was Chard who gained the majority of the possession.

The midfielders were very good at pushing forward to attack and when Julie Saxby found herself in the D, her shots were only thwarted by good goalkeeping.

Her persistence paid off, though, when Rachel Derham was on the post to convert a rebound.

Chard continued to press for the rest of the first half, with several runs from Ros Clemmans, Heidi and Lorna Warren; Salisbury looked under pressure but did not concede another goal.

Chard lost a little of their shape in the second half and it was down to defenders Chloe Parke, Charlie Carver-Bale and Becky Black to try and keep the opposition at bay.

Excellent reflex goalkeeping from Hannah Rymel kept her side ahead for the majority of the match – until Salisbury managed to pop in the equaliser just before full time.

A fair result on the day and a good one for Chard against this opposition.

Thanks go to Chris Long and Alan Cheffey for umpiring and to match sponsors Barleymow’s Farm Shop and Restaurant.

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ALSO on Sunday, Chard’s Under-12 boys took part in a junior tournament at Sherborne, where they faced some tough opponents from around the county.

They made a slow start, losing 3-0 to Taunton Civil Service A, but bounced back with a 2-1 win over Yeovil & Sherborne.

Chard then lost 6-2 against a physically bigger Taunton Vale team, yet they ended on a high by beating Civil Service B 5-0.

Josias Drew led the way as main goalscorer for Chard.

The club also had a mixed side taking part in the tournament, taking two wins from six matches.

Holly Griffiths was on form up front, while Sam Jones performed admirably in goal given it was his first tournament.