Verde Recreo Hockey League

South East 1

Chard A 6, Bridgwater C 0

A RARE break in the clouds greeted Chard on Saturday and hopes were high that they could continue their winning form against struggling Bridgwater.

However, the first 30 minutes were frustrating for the home team as, despite many opportunities, they struggled to find the net.

The deadlock was finally broken from a penalty corner as Jason Goddard slapped through two defenders to put Chard 1-0 up.

Chard’s defensive three of Riley Millet, Neil Gage and captain Tom Eames were equal to Bridgwater’s young attackers when they did break through, and goalkeeper Ian Rockett had little to do.

This changed early in the second half when Bridgwater looked odds-on to draw level, but a fine reaction save from Rockett kept Chard ahead.

After half-time, Chard eased back into their normal form, scoring four goals in rapid succession.

The first of these came from Eggle slipping a ball in to Dening, whose looping reverse stick chip left everyone standing and watching as it dropped over the keeper into the net.

Gage then picked up the ball deep in his own half and launched into an impressive run before picking a pass to Rollo Squire, who swept past the keeper.

Chard’s back three were moving the ball round effectively, rapidly switching from one side to the other, and Tom Float was the beneficiary of one such switch.

He used his pace to progress up the pitch before releasing a ball in to Dening, who powered a low reverse stick shot across the keeper into the bottom corner.

Dening then achieved his hat-trick, before adding his fourth and Chard’s sixth from a late penalty corner.

Chard A have a mini break before their next fixture away to Sidmouth & Ottery C and enter the rest period knowing they must retain their edge if they hope to top the table at the end of the season.

Chard A: Ian Rockett, Neil Gage, Riley Millet, Tom Eames(C), Trevor Goss, Jason Goddard, Tom Float, Rollo Squire, Ollie Saxeby, Harvey Dening, Gareth Eggle, Josh Davies

Chard Sunday Ladies 6, Gillingham Sunday Ladies 1

CHARD fielded many of the club’s young, talented players and the team played extremely well.

Goals came from Sophie Gibbons (3), Isabel Applegate, Heidi Warren and Hannah Dare to secure a deserved win.

Thanks go to Chris Long and Danny Grabham for umpiring.

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CHARD men’s firsts stayed second in South East 1 with a 3-0 home win over West Dorset.

Chard ladies' firsts were beaten 2-0 at Taunton Vale - check out our photo gallery from the match above.