CHARD RUGBY REPORTS FOR SATURDAY 29TH MARCH 2008 BY GLYN HUGHES

SOMERSET PREMIER LEAGUE            AVON  15PTS   CHARD   8PTS

Chard travelled to Avon with a much changed side and were without the services of skipper Jim Wagstaff who could be out for the season as well as Johnny Porter and other experienced players.
However as one door closes another opens and Chard took the opportunity of bringing in a number of their promising youngsters and included Tom Frecknall and Giles Lock in the front row, Max Gosden in the second row,  Matt Tinley in the back row and Finn O'Brien in the backs .
The game was played in absolutely atrocious conditions throughout and Avon took an early lead with an unconverted try after about ten minutes play. They increased their lead with a penalty goal but Chard hit back strongly and Ben Stead went over for an unconverted try shortly before the interval which meant that \Chard only trailed by the narrowest of margins at the break.
The Chard team were playing better than they had been for weeks and Frecknall was competing well against one of the better front rows in Somerset club rugby, but unfortunately Chard lost the services of Lock Who had to leave the field with a shoulder injury. Chard deservedly drew level with a penalty goal, from the boot of Paul Nicholls and continued to play well throughout the half.
However in the last few minutes of the game Avon capitalised on a Chard mistake and won a very close contest with a converted try right at the death.
Another frustrating defeat for Chard but skipper James Twigg  felt his side gelled well together and was full of praise for the youngsters who came into the side. Not only did they get some invaluable experience but they showed they were quite capable of competing at this level.

SOMERSET 3 SOUTH      CHARD 24pts  NORTH PETHERTON 8 PTS.

Chard played an expansive game despite the appalling weather and ground conditions and chalked up a fine win against a useful and cagey Petherton side.
Chard skipper John Wallis opened the scoring with an unconverted try and RhysWilliams added a second. Petherton got a try and penalty goal of their own in the opening half so Chard just led by two points at the break.
In the second half Chard centre Matt Ousley playing his first game back after injury began to show his class and it was no surprise when he went over for Chards third try and it was pleasing to note that he appeared to have fully recovered from the  rib injury he  suffered several weeks ago.
Wallis got in the act again when he poached a try and he also successfully converted both second half tries to give his side a pleasing win against difficult opponents.
A good all round performance by Chard with with Ousley,Terry Chard, Rob Hall. and Tom Richardson having good games which will have been duly noted by watching selector Mike Summers.

The Dorset and Wilts league game at Swanage had to be conceded by Chard because the knock on effect of losing so many players to the other sides  meant that Chard were unable to raise a competitive side.

Next Saturday the Chard club have no games at home and the only fixture is for the third xv who will be travelling to play Wiveliscombe.

League rugby commences again on Saturday 12th April when all three Chard sides are at home.
On that day the club are also hosting a Vice presidents lunch which is being sponsored by Eddie Andrew of Cad Green Garage. More details of this event can be obtained from  Presidents Secretary Martin Lock tel 52959