CHARD RUGBY REPORT FOR SATURDAY 15TH MARCH BY GLYN HUGHES

SOMERSET DIVISION 3 SOUTH

CHARD 55PTS MIDSOMER NORTON 27PTS

This game was played in appalling conditions but rather surprisingly considering the rain and wind  the Chard handling  was very good against a robust Norton side and in truth conditions did not prevent the game from bring competitive throughout.
The decisive difference between the sides was the youth and pace in the home back division and this was particularly noticeable in the first half when Chard took a firm grip on proceedings and built up a good half time lead.
In the second half the experienced visitors forwards realised that they had to keep things tight and they did every thing possible to keep the ball away  from the speedy members of the home side. Their policy of 'keeping it up their jumper' brought them back into the game.
Having had a great game last week Chard flanker Carl Abercrombie  did not disappoint and again put in a man of the match performance. He was well supported by fellow back row players Jamie Adam,s and Roger Summers  Finn O'Brien  showed some fine skills at scrum half and had another very good game. Chard scored nine tries with these coming from Abercrombie 2, Simon Stead, Billy Vernon, Jon King, Stuart Gold, Ashley Tuffel, Adams and Mike Farthing. Skipper Wallis added five conversions.
An interesting statistic of the game was that for the first time anybody could remember Chard did not have a scrummage on their own ball throughout the game. This really is a rare occurrence.

There are no league fixtures next Saturday but Chard have a home friendly match against Bridport ko at 2 30pm