South West 1 West

Chard 1st XV 82, Coney Hill 15

CHARD maintained their challenge for a play-off place in South West 1 West with a 13-try battering at home to Coney Hill on Saturday.

After going ahead with an early penalty from skipper Chris Doak, they dominated proceedings with seven first-half tries.

Playing an expansive game against their lowly opponents, Chard were rewarded with tries from Charlie Roberts (2), Jim Wagstaff, Luke Aplin, Simon Jenkins and Richard Mouland.

In reply, Coney Hill scored a drop goal through Craig Holder but they were unable to resist the rampant home side.

In contrast, Chard made a sluggish start to the second half and allowed the visitors to register their first try of the match as Luke Morgan raced in following an interception.

Chard’s sloppiness continued and this allowed the dangerous Morgan to burst through for a second try and, this time, Morgan added the extras.

The home side regrouped and dominated the last quarter of the game as winger Jack Pennington, Doak, Stead and Roberts crossed the line.

Coney’s efforts to resist the onslaught brought about a number of injuries resulting in uncontested scrums but, after Pennington ran in another try, the referee brought the uneven contest to a close.

Chard continue their quest for the play-offs on Saturday when they travel to mid-table Thornbury.

A bonus points victory will see them climb above second-placed St Austell and into the play-offs.

They then close the league season on Easter Monday when they entertain lowly Wadebridge Camels.