Bill Morgan Memorial Match
Chard XV 43, Holyrood XV 44

ONE of the most anticipated matches of the year took place when two Chard teams faced off in the blistering heat, writes Gavin Smillie.

A minute’s silence was held for Bill Morgan, whose team-mates took to the field in his memory.

There was no score for the first 15 minutes, but then Chard’s Ross Colenso broke the deadlock.

Holyrood hit back through George Russo, before Niall Crouch and Ieuan Watkins increased the lead to 17-5 at half-time.

Chard reduced the deficit through Dan Goetz two minutes after the restart, Josh Strickland replied for Holyrood, and then Emil Szydelko scored for Chard.

The see-saw nature of the game continued as Gabe Riley strolled through to make it 27-19, but converted tries from Szydelko and Colenso put Chard 33-27 up.

Andrew ‘Jock’ McKerrow crossed for Holyrood, yet with Charlie Roberts and Sam Mouland going over for Chard, they led 43-32 with 10 minutes left.

Holyrood hit back through Jim Wagstaff then, after Chard lost the ball in a lineout, Ben Stead went over to make it 44-43.

In the dying seconds, Chard’s Max Gosden broke free but a defender managed to dislodge the ball, denying a dramatic late try and sealing the win for Holyrood.