IN COLD and windy weather Chard recorded their third consecutive win on the road and their seventh victory in succession and are now unbeaten since the end of September and remain in second place in the division.

It was a tough challenge against Cornwall opponents Penryn RFC, but Chard took the win 22-31 away from home.

Chard played with the wind and slope in the first half and went ahead early on when their impressive forwards drove Penryn back over their own line and scrum half Ross Colenso got the touch down and Niall Crouch added the extras to make it 0-7.

Penryn missed a golden opportunity, however within minutes they created another opening on the left and winger Paul Saberton went over.

Penryn took the lead when James Salisbury went over for a converted try under the posts and the score was then 12-7.

However Chard who in truth had played poor tactically in the opening half despite looking the stronger side went into the lead when Ryan Helliar scored in the corner.

Crouch added the conversion with a great kick from the touchline and also added a penalty goal meaning Chard reached the turnaround leading by 12-17.

Chard now had the elements to contend with and were certainly up against it early on in the half against a home side who were well used to playing the slope to their advantage.

Nathan Strick reduced the arrears with a penalty goal but the tide turned in Chard’s favour when Crouch intercepted a pass in midfield and raced 50metres to score and convert his own try under the posts.

This try knocked the stuffing out of Penryn somewhat and Chard increased their lead when their excellent forwards with Luke Aplin, David Morton and Max Gosden prominent forced their opponents to transgress and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try which increased the Chard score to 31 points.

Chard made a few mistakes seeing the game out and paid the penalty when a poor chip kick was easily picked up and resulted in a converted try under the posts.

Injuries have really tested the depth of the Chard squad in recent weeks but they were still clearly the better side and deserved this win at the home of one of Cornwall’s most iconic clubs.