RUGBY: Chard 34pts, Chew Valley 10 (From This is The West Country)

RUGBY: Chard 34pts, Chew Valley 10

10:00am Wednesday 4th November 2009 in Somerset Sport

CHARD recorded their third win of the season in the Somerset Premier with a fine all-round performance against their mid-table rivals.

All the early pressure came from the hosts and such was their dominance and confidence Chard spurned a few early penalty chances in favour of kicking for position in order to go for try-scoring opportunities.

These failed to materialise so it was no surprise when skipper Twigg eventually decided he wanted points on the board and when Chew were penalised yet again after 15 minutes Paul Nicholls kicked the resultant penalty to give Chard a three-point advantage.

Within minutes, impressive home centre Lee Massey made a strong burst through the visitors defence and linked well with Ben Stead before winger Simon Boyd ran through for an excellent touchdown. Nicholls converted and Chard had stretched their advantage to ten points.

Nicholls increased the lead with another penalty and Chard were getting just rewards for a lively performance.

You cannnot relax against anybody at this level, however, and both forwards and backs were then guilty of some very poor defensive play when they allowed the useful looking visitors’ full-back to carve his way past a number of players to score a fine individual try which was not converted. Missing a few tackles is one thing but this was a real wake up call and a reminder that everybody has to keep alert.

The Chard forwards, with Brian Sugar and Jim Wagstaff outstanding, were looking strong and they continued to set up several try-scoring situations. One of these came good when full-back Stead, also playing well, went over for a try minutes before the break. Nicholls again added the extras to give his side a 20-5 lead at the interval.

Chard brought on two of their replacements at the beginning of the second half but started poorly. Within a minute they had conceded a second try to Chew and also had a player sent to the bin.

However, Chard weathered the storm and Massey increased his team’s lead with their third try, which was again converted by the reliable and accurate boot of Nicholls.

Chard continued to dominate proceedings and it was no surprise when Massey and his fellow centre Ben King combined well with winger Matt Ousley before Massey dived over for the try of the match. Nicholls converted from the touchline.

Chard managed to successfully reduce the number of penalties conceded in this game, although several needless ones were given away in the final minutes but they did not affect the outcome.

The vice-presidents, who had enjoyed an excellent lunch before the game, would return to the bar in a good mood following this fine win.

It was also a day to remember because 60 years ago, the Chard club was reformed after the second world war.

On Saturday, Chard are away at lowly Midsomer Norton, kick-off 2.30pm. However, Norton only lost by a single point at leaders Bristol Harlequins on Saturday to emphasise how tight a division this is, so Chard will need to be on top of their game.