CHARD lost 41-16 at home to Hornets in National league three on Saturday when another 200 plus crowd enjoyed an excellent game of rugby, writes Glyn Hughes.

Despite plenty of effort, Chard were again found wanting against a very good and efficient Hornets side who were promoted along with Chard at the end of last season.

Chard have had to virtually re build their side this season and it is worth noting that of the team that started the play off final at Towcester in April only six started this match.

Chard have struggled to keep a clean sheet in the opening quarters of games this season and once again on Saturday they conceded two tries in the early stages of the game with Dave Vivien and Alex Chase crossing for converted tries.

Some how or other the defensive frailties have to be conquered with the one-on-one tackles a big priority.

Chard kept in touch with penalty goals from the boot of Mike Lawton but the loss of a player to the bin for a dangerous tackle added to their problems when Vivien scored his second try with Chard a player short.

Lawton who would have a perfect performance from penalties and conversions added a third penalty for Chard.

The home side were competing well for long periods but they do seem vulnerable at the start and end of each half and just before the interval visiting scrum half Littlewood crossed for Hornets fourth try and with Jones adding the conversion points Hornets led 26-9 at the break.

As at Bracknell last week Chard were struggling with their kicking game in terms of finding touch or distance and they were caught napping when a mis-directed kick fell into Hornets hands and a brilliant counter attacking move resulted in Hornets winger Jones scoring an unconverted try in the corner.

Skipper Rob Dempsey added a sixth try for Hornets and it looked as if Chard could lose heart but not a bit of it and in fact for the next twenty minutes or so Chard had their best period of the game.

They came back strongly with their forwards performing particularly well in both the set scrummage and the loose. The spirit was good and the great home support urged the team on.

Chard fully deserved the try that came their way 15 minutes into the second half when a powerful forward drive ended with flanker Ryan Helliar getting the touchdown. Lawton showed what a good place kicker he is with a fine effort from wide out.

The game was very open and a fine advert for the game and Hornets had the final say when they put the icing on their cake with a try coming with the last play of the game. How often has that happened this season?

Chard are putting the effort in and team morale is fine but defensive play particularly in the backs and a high penalty count against are two real issues among others that needs to be resolved. Easier said then done though!

Chard: Harrison, Mays, Lawton, Douglas, Stead, Hayward, Selway, Hyslop, Robinson, Bartlett Mortensen, Henly, Parsons (capt), Wright, Burrell. Replacements: (all used) Aplin, Helliar, Johnson.