Sidmouth 38-10 Chard

Chard won the toss and decided to take advantage of the slope in the opening half and opened the game very brightly with their forwards looking very strong particularly in the set piece, writes Glyn Hughes.

The Sidmouth backs were however looking very dangerous and on the wide pitch  threatened every time they had the ball.

The first quarter of the game although played largely in the Chard half was well contested and eventually the forwards put Chard into a very strong position and they took the lead when fullback jack Mills slotted over a penalty goal.

Sidmouth hit back soon afterwards when they made the most of a few missed tackles which allowed their winger to create an opportunity and score a try which was converted by Cole Monaghan which gave the hosts a7-3 lead.

Chard were unable to use the slope as well as they had hoped and failed to gain good field position by their reluctance to kick into the gaps or make touch.

Sidmouth took advantage of a poor clearance to cross for their second try and with a successful conversion were now leading by 14-3 which remained the score at half time.

Chard had played pretty well in the first half and were still in the game but had a big task in the second half especially with the slope to contend with.

The first quarter of the second half was  evenly contested but them the Sidmouth backs got in to their stride and they were well marshalled by former Exeter chiefs centre Phil Dolman.  Chard were struggling to contain them and it was no real surprise when  they scored two more converted tries.

 Chard at last responded when skipper Luke Aplin  who led by example throughout powered his way over the line for a converted try which took Chard into double figures.

Chard defended well in the final ten minutes but when Darius Towers was yellow carded for some illegal play in the ruck Sidmouth converted the resultant penalty to secure a comfortable 39-10 victory. Effort and attitude could not be faulted by the coaching staff but when playing at this standard it is very tough and every poor decision and mistakes are punished.

There are no games in the league for any teams next week and the team will no doubt benefit for a chance to re group.

Next out for the team is a home game against Truro on Saturday 26th November kick off 2pm.