CHARD RUGBY REPORT
FOR
SATUDAY 14TH APRIL 2007
BY GLYN HUGHES

SOMERSET PREMIER LEAGUE

CHARD 54PTS  ST BERNADETTES 10PTS

Chard finished off their league programme in fine style with this eight try demolition job on Bristol side St Bernadettes who were just one place below them in the league. .
Chard decided to start with Ryan Helliar at flyhalf after his fine performance in last weeks semi final cup game against Wellington and Paul Nicholls returned to the side after injury although he had to play with protective headgear.
Chard started well enough but it was the visitors who got on the scoresheet first when they took advantage of some poor Chard tackling and number 8 Craig Harris went over for a try under the posts following  their first assault on the Chard line. They missed the straight forward conversion but the try acted as awake up call for Chard who tore into St Bernadettes immediately from the restart. Helliar made an impression straight away with his direct running and powered his way over for a try which Nicholls converted to put Chard clear by two points. The game was being played in sweltering conditions and the players were thankful that the pitch had been well watered for two days. Despite the heat Chard were playing at a high tempo and their forwards were looking far too strong for the opposition. The dominance of the pack resulted in two tries from superb driving mauls with the touchdowns being credited to Clive (bogey )Derman and the impressive Alan Henley. Nicholls showed what an important player he is with another two successful conversions and Chard led 21-5 at the break.
Within two minutes of the restart Chard had gone further ahead when skipper Jim Wagstaff finished off a lovely move involving several players. Nicholls again converted and the game was really slipping away from the visitors. Just as a big score was looking inevitable St Bernadettes turned over possession and launched a splendid counter attack from which winger Blaine Lawrence went over in the corner for their second unconverted try of the game. This score was only a consolation effort however and Chard were  totally dominate in all aspects of play. The backs were moving the ball well and the forwards were winning a huge amount of ball from both lineouts and scrums. Chris Bond  back in his favoured front row position was unstoppable from five metres out and went over for Chards fifth try again converted by Nicholls. Former skipper Jon Hendy seeking to get the highest try scorer of the season award sneaked over for another score from close range  and a successful conversion put Chard past the forty point mark. St Bernadettes were now not enjoying their visit to Chard at all and were now on a mission of damage limitation. However Chard had other ideas and centre Matt Ousley got the next try with a blistering bit of pace and this was a justified  reward for an much improved display from the whole of the Chard back division. Nicholls showed he was human by actually missing a conversion but he was successful in the last few minutes when he converted a try which returning centre Mark Lees scored following a lovely individual break past a now demoralised visiting side.
Chard finished in a creditable 4th position in the Somerset premier league and certainly have the potential to push for promotion next season.