CHARD men’s 1sts remain second bottom in the Central 2 division after two defeats at the weekend.

On Saturday they lost 4-0 at home to Mendip, and on Sunday they were beaten 3-1 at Team Bath Buccs D.

South East 1
ECV Hornets A 7, Chard A 0

THIS was another game where Chard scraped together a bare 11 players, with several enforced changes from their last outing a fortnight ago.

This time Grahame Johnson was in the firing line as goalkeeper.

It was also another lesson in the difference between South East 2, from where the 2nd XI were promoted last season, and South East 1, as high-flying Hornets were faster in thought and movement, dominating midfield and creating a host of chances.

Johnson made a string of brave saves and the beleaguered back four did what they could to stem the tide.

For the first quarter of an hour, Chard stuck to a plan to pass short and retain possession to limit the hosts’ scoring opportunities.

Having conceded one goal, however, the tendency to charge forward and lose possession set in once more, and Chard were 3-0 down at half time.

Two soft goals early in the second half made matters worse.

Chard were even denied a consolation goal when Gary Wheaton unleashed a fierce reverse stick shot which Harvey Dening deflected into the net – but it was ruled out, the umpire adjudging the ball to have glanced in off stick and body.

The visitors posed more of a threat as the second half wore on and gave Hornets’ keeper more work to do.

The home side were always dangerous coming forward, though, and they added two more goals to wrap it up.

Chard squad: G Johnson, T Eames, P Tratt, S Mahoney, Gabe, M Wheaton, G Wheaton, R Squire, J Saloman, G Eggle, H Dening; match sponsor: Spice Villa

Chard B lost 1-0 at ECV Hornets B in South East 2, and Chard Ladies were overwhelmed by visitors Mid Somerset, the promotion-chasers winning 6-0 in Sedgemoor Division 1.

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Friendly match
Salisbury Sunday Ladies 3, Chard Sunday Ladies 1

THE first 10 minutes saw Salisbury look like they were going to dominate.

Chard settled into their stride and, with good goalkeeping from Charlie Carver-Bale and excellent defending from Becky Black, Chloe Parke and Harriet Withers, they weathered the home team’s onslaught.

Working hard in midfield were Heidi Warren, Julie Saxby, Rachel Derham and Rose Trafford, providing Chard with much of the possession.

Salisbury eventually broke the deadlock with two quick goals in succession, and then a third.

Chard kept going and were rewarded with a consolation goal from Sophie Gibbons.

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CHARD hosted the latest Under-10s hockey tournament on Sunday, with teams from Bruton, Shepton Mallet, Cheddar, Wellington and Yeovil & Sherborne taking part.

All games were very competitive, with good skills on display.

Chard entered three teams, two mixed and one girls, with the latter battling very well to end up with three draws and two defeats.

Goalkeeper Eliza Wakley made some great saves, and Marcie Russell defended strongly.

Both mixed sides played some good hockey during the morning, with all the boys and girls learning and increasing in confidence with each match.

Goalscorers were Archie Parris, Oli Wells, Sam Johnson-Jones and Reuben Willis.

Thanks go to the parents for their support, and helpers Sheila Bland, Gary Wheaton and Tom Eames.