Western Counties West
Chard 1st XV 25, Paignton 9

AFTER a well-below-par performance against Sidmouth last weekend, Chard got back to winning ways with an effective display against a competitive Paignton side, writes Glyn Hughes.

In truth, it was a somewhat scrappy performance but a win is a win, however it comes, and it was a bonus point victory as well. 

Chard were in front almost immediately when they were awarded an early penalty and Charlie Roberts made no mistake.

Chard have an annoying habit of giving away too many penalties and, firstly, Paignton full-back Mike Sandercock slotted one over before fly-half David Siddall added a second from the halfway line.

Despite several long-term absentees in the pack, Chard competed well in the forwards and Luke Hill, who was switched to the front row due to a late withdrawal, burst through to score Chard's opening try. 

The usually reliable boot of Roberts failed with the conversion but Chard led 8-6. 

Roberts, who had a good game in general play, would not have the best of days off the kicking tee and missed two gettable penalties.

However, shortly before half-time he was on hand to convert Chard's second try which came again from good forward play which resulted in a fine try for Max Gosden.

Chard upped their game at the beginning of the second half and showed that when they play to their strengths and don’t mess about in their own 22 they can unlock most defences. 

The hardworking Joe Mainwaring, who improves with every game, scored try number three to put Chard further ahead and, although the conversion was missed, the lead was now 20-6.

Almost immediately from the kick-off, Chard had too much to say to the referee and were rightly penalised and Sandercock duly kicked the goal to reduce the arrears. 

With the score now at 20-9, Paignton were right back in the game but Roberts showed some deft skills to send the ball out to Ryan Wingate on the right wing.

He outpaced his opposite number to score in the corner to not only put Chard well ahead but also giving them a bonus point for scoring four tries or more.

Paignton gave it a real good go in the final ten minutes but the Chard defence held firm despite having a player sent to the bin for a deliberate offence and they fully deserved to get their fifth win of the season.

Once again, several players deserve recognition - notably Scott Johnson and Warren Lewis in the second row but a special mention for coach Jim Wagstaff is needed as he stepped in at the last minute to play at flanker and was still in one piece at the end having played the entire match.

Chard do not have a league game on Saturday but return to action the following week with a tough game at St Ives, in Cornwall.

Somerset Division 2S
Martock 16, Chard 2nd XV 24

A COMPETITIVE game at Martock saw Chard triumph thanks to two tries from the evergreen Brian Sugar, one from Chris Doel and one from Jim Crosey.

Dan Newman added two conversions and the victory also saw Chard collect a bonus point.

On Saturday, Chard 2nd XV are at Yeovil (ko 2.30pm).

The 3rd XV game against Wells was cancelled as Wells were unable to raise a team.

There is no scheduled 3rd XV game on Saturday.