On Saturday, April 6, Chard RFC held the biggest rugby event seen at the club in recent times.

The clubs Minis section took part in a triangular fixture against touring teams from Farnham RFC and teams from neighbouring Crewkerne RFC.

This included joint training sessions for the Under-6 age group and matches from Under-7s up to the Under11 age groups.

In total, around 650 children participated in rugby matches and training sessions throughout the day while there were also an army of coaches, volunteers and parents all enjoying the rugby and thankfully dry weather.

Over 1,200 people passed through the rugby clubs gates, including local MP Marcus Fysh, who got involved in the spirit of the day posing wearing a tour headband for photos with the players.

The crowds we kept entertained throughout the day with not just the rugby, but bouncy castles, bungee trampolines, sweet and ice cream vans as well.

Once the Minis matches had concluded and a presentation between the clubs had taken place, attention turned on the main pitch to an over 35 veterans match between Chard and Farnham.

This was a very much one sided affair, with visitors Farnham running out convincing winners.

The match was played with the usual good nature of a vets encounter, described by some as exhibition rugby.

The day didn’t end there though as soon as the final whistle had been blown Chard RFC Ladies XV played their last league game of the season against Minehead Ladies.

The whole day was a massive success for Chard, who seem to be bucking the trend at the moment by growing at a spectacular rate.

The minis and juniors now have over 270 players, and the seniors have four league playing teams along with the social veterans.

Chard now hope to build on the experience and hold more events for the local community to get involved in.