Western Counties West
Wadebridge Camels 36, Chard 27

A TRY scored by Emile Szydelko, his third of the game, in the dying seconds gave Chard a deserved bonus point at Wadebridge after a spirited performance came so close to producing a shock result, writes Glyn Hughes.

Chard went into the game following a great win against Truro, but their preparations were hampered with the loss of several players to injury.

The Wadebridge team have some particularly good backs and two of them – centre Will Pengelly and fly-half Danny Thomas – gave Chard all sorts of problems.

They took Chard apart in the opening quarter with three converted tries to just a penalty in response.

But when the visitors had the ball they looked dangerous, and they had their first try when Johnson went over for a converted effort.

Szydelko was in his element on the big pitch and a powerful run led to his first try, which was again converted.

Wadebridge got their fourth try from a lineout, but the pacy Szydelko kept Chard in touch with his second try, making it 28-22 at half-time.

Now Chard had the wind in the favour, but against the run of play Wadebridge broke out of their 22 and eventually scored an unconverted try in the corner.

The visitors were camped deep in the Wadebridge half for long periods, but Luke Hill’s ‘try’ was disallowed for an adjudged double movement.

Chard were made to rue their missed chances when a penalty moved the hosts further clear.

With the last play of the game, Chard at last got some reward for their efforts when Szydelko squeezed his way over in the corner for a bonus-point try which was the very least the team’s efforts deserved.

All the Chard players did themselves proud but Tinley and Brookes in the backs, and veteran hooker Hendy, who played a full game in the absence of Mainwaring, deserve a special mention.

Chard are now two points clear of second-bottom Truro going into the last weekend of the season, but they have to assume Truro will win their local derby against Falmouth this coming Saturday, which means Chard will need to upset the odds and beat local rivals Wellington at home.

If they can re-produce the effort and commitment shown against Wadebridge, there is no reason why they should not get a result against Wellington, who are gunning for promotion.

Kick off against Wellington will be at 3pm; supporters are asked to come early as a big crowd is expected.