Western Counties (W)

Chard 18, Wadebridge Camels 29

With only a few notable exceptions Chard were again forced to play a very young and inexperienced side against Wadebridge, writes Glyn Hughes.

Although they played well at times and the effort could not be faulted, the greater strength, power and team work of the visitors was the difference between the teams.

Injury has taken its toll for Chard and it is interesting to note that only six members of this team played in the opening game of the season.

Wadebridge missed an early penalty in front of the posts but hooker Matt Ballard, who was their outstanding player, scored the first of his four tries after 12 minutes which was converted.

This try came as a result of a catch and drive from a lineout and within five minutes lock forward Dan Reed went over for a similar effort.

This try was unconverted but Wadebridge were now 12 points clear.

By this time Chard had settled down and were playing a lot better and after concerted pressure Chard reduced the arrears with a penalty from Niall Crouch.

Crouch successfully converted another penalty deep into the half to bring the deficit down to just six points but right on the half-time whistle Chard suffered a big blow when another kick to the corner by Wadebridge set them up for another textbook catch and drive with Ballard touching down in the corner.

Chard messed up a good opportunity to score early in the second half and were made to pay almost immediately when Wadebridge earned another lineout from which Ballard went over for a bonus-point score which was also converted.

Chard were playing a lot better in the second half despite these setbacks and Matt Tinley and Jason Wright were particularly making a terrific contribution.

As well as being unable to cope with the Wadebridge lineouts, Chard were also very suspect at times with their first up tackling and that man Ballard broke through several tackles to score yet another try.

Chard came back really strongly in the last quarter and were camped for long periods in the visitors 22.

At last the Wadebridge defence buckled and Scott Johnson and Tinley both went over for excellent tries.

Crouch converted one of them to make the final score 29-18.

Chard remain one spot above the relegation places.

On Saturday, Chard play their last game before the Christmas break away at Bideford (2pm)

Somerset 2 (S)

Bridgwater & Albion III 5, Chard II 37

CHARD 2nd XV travelled to Bridgwater to play their 3rd XV on a wet, windy and bitterly cold afternoon.

This was a game that some doubted would take place looking at the hosts’ track record of calling off, but play they did and Chard's wing commanders once again came away with the win and continued their recent good form.

The game was one sided with Chard getting over the whitewash seven times with tries from Mouland, Duke, Mainwaring, Duke, Mainwaring, Strickland, Ingarfield and two from the impressive Smith, Bridgwater replying only once breaking a solid Chard defence but too little too late.

Coaches Luke Aplin said he was pleased with the way the team played in the conditions and was especially pleased with the display from Fursman who had an outstanding game.

The bad news is Ash Wilson will be out for some time with a broken ankle and all at the club wish him a speedy recovery a big loss for the team.

On Saturday, Chard 2nds are at home to Martock and Chard 3rds host Wincanton (2pm).

If the main pitch is not fit, the game will be played at Crewkerne Road.