Western Counties West

Tiverton 64, Chard 19

AFTER their fine home win against St Austell in their last match, Chard hoped to get something from this game in their bid to avoid relegation, writes Glyn Hughes.

However, they were forced to travel with a severely-depleted squad due to illness and injury and the absentees included skipper Ryan Helliar and vice-captain Max Gosden among others.

Chard were blown away in the first half by the powerful Tiverton backs and although they did cross for one try they trailed by 47-7 at the interval.

Chard’s one try in the first half came when Ben Stead broke clear and offloaded to Matt Ayes, who scored a good try on his debut for the team.

Brothers Benn and Joe Mainwaring as well as Billy Brookes made some good powerful breaks in a much better second half performance.

Chard were never now going to win the game but they targeted getting four tries to see if they at least could give themselves a chance of getting a bonus point.

Second half touchdowns from Joe Mainwaring and Brookes made this a possibility but, unfortunately, it was not to be.

A third Mainwaring, Max, came on for the latter stages of the game and there can not be many times, if any, when Chard have fielded three brothers in the same team (answers on a postcard, please).

It was a super 10-try performance by Tiverton with their kicker Matt Down getting seven conversions and a penalty goal to add to Chard’s woes.

Somerset 3 South

Chard 3rd XV 7, Wyvern 31

WYVERN won this derby well but, with Tor winning at Midsomer Norton, Wyvern missed out on promotion by points difference.

There are currently no 2nd XV or 3rd XV games scheduled for this weekend.

North Petherton Vets XV 17, Chard Vets XV 7

WITH plenty of players available, North Petherton invited Chard to send up a team to play their 3rd XV in a friendly at Beggars Brook.

The game started badly for Chard with Pethy scoring a penalty.

Chard got the game going again and pressurised in the hosts half with some decent ball retention but the defence was firm and Pethy then broke away to go over for their second try.

There was good play from both teams with the Pethy loose head making an impact in the contact area and their full-back making a good job clearing the tactical kicking from Andrew McKerrow.

Another Chard player having a fantastic game was Ross Fanyinka, who was playing flanker along side Stuart Sugar, another back who had joined the pack.

The second half started well for Chard and excellent play from David Lock and Ellis Lewis saw them awarded a penalty in front of the posts.

The quick thinking Doel skipped through and touched down with Kevin George getting the extras.

Chard were soon defending again and a lightning fast home player charged down a clearance kick and touched down for a converted try.

The final whistle brought to an end a proper grassroots fixture.