RUGBY: Crewkerne defeat Chard in Boxing Day veterans match at Henhayes

BOTH Crewkerne and Chard had good numbers turn up for the traditional Boxing Day game at Henhayes, and there was also a good crowd in support despite the constant rain.

Crewkerne won the toss and opted to kick off, so Chard captain Brian Sugar chose to go up the hill in the first half and take the advantage of the slope in the second.

The hosts applied pressure and made their opponents work hard to get out of their own half, and with both teams tackling well it was soon apparent that this was more like a cup game than a friendly.

Both packs saw plenty of action, with the handling proving difficult in the conditions, and neither scrum willing to give anything away.

Following some good work from the Crewkerne backs, it was they who got the first score to the left of the posts, having managed to get through the previously strong Chard defence.

Shortly after, the visitors allowed a second visit over the whitewash, which made it 10-0 going into half time.

MUD: The conditions were difficult for the Crewkerne and Chard veterans on Boxing Day. Pic: Gary Bide Photography

The second half gave the away side the advantage of the slope, and they put pressure on the home team from the start.

Again the scrum was used more often than some would have liked.

Crewkerne used rolling subs to keep the props fresh, with Jon Hendy the only constant, whereas Chard had no front row replacements, so Gavin Smillie, Ali Downs and Brian Sugar were in for the full 80.

Chard were awarded a penalty inside the Crewkerne 22 and opted for yet another scrum, and they got a good drive towards the line before releasing to the backs, allowing Andrew Mckerrow to go over the line to make it 10-5.

Both teams had attacking chances in the last 20 but neither could get through the opposition defence.

In the closing minutes, Chard were charging towards the line, but one last handling error brought the game to a close, with Crewkerne winning by a single score.

Chard: G. Smillie, A. Downs, B. Sugar (c), N. Henley, S. Long, J. Hole, T. Hopkins, M. Duffy, T. Glenn, K. George, G. Watts, D. Tucker, J. Herbert, S. Sugar, A. Mckerrow, W. Lewis, M. Cornelius, M. Armstrong, Snapper, C. Doal.