CHARD RUGBY CLUB
MATCH REPORTS FOR SATURDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2006
BY
GLYN HUGHES

SOMERSET PREMIER LEAGUE

AVON 1ST XV 11PTS    CHARD 1STXV 17PTS

In conditions totally unsuited to rugby Chard pulled off a very good away win in their opening league game of the season.
Chard already short of front row players because of injury suffered a double blow in the build up to this game when both Richard Lovelock and Steve Broome sustained injuries in training which will put them both out for several weeks. Such is the spirit in the club however that Chard got over the immediate problem when Chris Bond and Tom Richardson answered the call and agreed to take up the challenge. Chard also gave a debut to 17year old Ryan Helliar who has looked very sharp in training.
Chard started well and went ahead with a try after only 3 minutes play. Skipper Jim Wagstaff broke swiftly down the blindside and outpaced the home defence to score in the corner. There was a slight suspicion that he may have not grounded the ball properly but the referee was well placed and awarded the try. Fullback Josh Findlay struck the conversion well but it just drifted wide.
 Findlay suffered a similar fate when a long range penalty attempt after 10 minutes also narrowly missed the target.
Chard were making light of the hot conditions and were looking really sharp at times. However, after 20 mins. Avon made their first real attack in the Chard half and came away with a well worked try. They spun the ball out quickly to the right and created an overlap from which Phil Beaumont was able to cross over wide out on the right. Bodman was unable to add the conversion .
 The Chard forwards were dominant in the set plays and a classic catch and  drive  from a lineout was too much for the home defence and they were unable to stop Chard from driving over the goal line and  vice captain Mark Parsons was credited with the try. Findlay again narrowly missed the difficult conversion. Chard appeared to have increased their lead when another good break by the outstanding Chard skipper Wagstaff set up scrum half Richard Jones for a try. The referee initially awarded the score but then changed his mind having consulted the home touch judge who said that Jones had hit the corner flag before getting the touchdown. To add insult to injury Avon scored again in only their second visit to the Chard 22metre area when Bodman was successful with a penalty goal.
Chard were always the better side despite the closeness if the scoreline and special mention must be made of fly half James Twigg who although fairly new to the job was having a very good game. He kicked and tackled well and linked up with the rest of his backs in fine style .
 Half time Avon 8pts chard 10pts
In the opening minutes of the second half Chard were put under a lot of pressure and fell behind when Shaun Wines kicked a splendid drop goal from 25metres out to give his side a single point advantage. Chard soon got their act together and pulled ahead again with an outstanding try. Chard won great possession from a lineout and sent out good ball to Twigg. He called a move which involved  a dummy pass  before linking with Findlay who ran a great line to dash over for a try under the posts which he also converted to put chard 6 points clear.
Despite their overall superiority  Chard were less than one full score ahead but they survived a few scares to hold on for an excellent win. Chard were somewhat hesitant under the high ball and this caused them a few problems in defensive situations. Fortunately Chards talented and experienced forwards were on hand to sort thing out and Chard coach Pete Harrison will be encouraged by the promise shown by the youngsters in the team.

CHARD 2ND XV 7PTS   WELLINGTON 2ND XV 44PTS
Chard fell apart in the 2nd half having given a good account of them selves early on. Chard took the lead with a try from Andy Mckerrow converted by Stuart Gold but Wellington hit back with 2 unconverted tries to lead 10pts to 7pts at half time. The Chard forwards particularly props Rocket Jones and Robert Hall played well but in the second half the burly and quick Wellington centres changed the direction of the game and carved through the home defence time and again to set up a comprehensive win

Next Sat. Chard 1st xv are away again in league action at Combe Down ko 3pm and the second xv begin their league campaign with a home game against Sherborne at home ko3pm on the main pitch