Chard RFC

Chard Vs Yeovil Barbarians. 23rd November 2022

On a cold, clear evening Chard headed over to Yeovil to play their next round in the inner warrior league.

Chard received first and showed what they could offer with some incredible runs from their forwards. The confidence and determination of Chard was evident! A storming run by Zoe Watts (Sponsored by Rosy Jeffery ltd) with the support of a strong pack had the visitors on the front foot. Then a quick interception saw Yeovil score under the posts. This was then converted.

Some amazing rugby from Chard followed with some amazing carries by the returning Jade Brooker (Sponsored by Westcrete) showing what Chard were capable of. Amanda Webb (Sponsored by Millfield Motors) looked fierce in defence and put in some incredible tackles throughout the game earning her forward the match. Then a burst of speed from Shelley Strawbridge saw Chard make some decent meters. Tamsin Mckerrow was amazing in support as usual. Georgia Adams led the team expertly and used her kicking to provide meters. She also used the pace from Charlie Taylor (Sponsored by Oliver Joseph Gym) and Shanie Cox (Sponsored by DC Plumbing and Heating) to punch through the strong Yeovil defence.

Despite some great carries and some excellent speed from Jade Totty (sponsored by The Gerrard Arms) Yeovil again managed to score. Finishing the first quarter 12-0.

Chard recieved again from the kick off and showed their excellent rugby skills using their strong pack with Rebecca Padfield powering through with some great tackles. Cara Austin (Sponsored by ODC improvements and W D Brickwork) and Megan Hill (Sponsored by Greenacres Caravan Site) worked hard to provide support and inch away at those precious meters. The backs were not only ferocious in attack, Olivia Barnes (Sponsored by SA Hyslop) had an incredible game in defence and put in some wonderful tackles. Shelley strawbridge (Sponsored by Foxdown Children’s Farm) saw gaps and used her speed to make meters throughout the whole game and that earnt her back of the match. Thanks to some impressive defence from Chard at half time the score remained 12-0.

The third quarter had much of the same. The defence from Chard was absolutely incredible and just went to show how far they have come on as a team since their last encounter at Yeovil. Ellie Hayter (Sponsored by Odyssey Decorating) was reliable as always in the lineout and this gave a great platform for Jade Brooker to attack from. Yeovil scored again without the conversion bringing the score to 17-0. Chard dug deep and their strong scrum played dividends when the incredible Georgie Waite took the ball from the back of the scrum and powered over the line defeating some strong defenders. With the score at 17-5 Chard really found their feet. This was helped by the wonderful experience of Laura Moss and Kirsty Carlos. Also by a great introduction to the ladies game by Grace Collins. A huge credit to Chard U18s for preparing her so well to take to the pitch for her first senior game. What a huge asset she was and will continue to be for the team!

Throughout the final quarter Yeovil scored another 2 unconverted tries with the score finishing 27-5. The defence was incredible throughout and Ellen Roy (Sponsored by M&R Drayton LTD) and Emily Lancaster made fabulous impacts when they came on.

This scoreline certainly doesn't tell the whole story and the progress Chard have made through their time in the Inner Warrior League is something they should be really proud of. To come up against such a strong Yeovil side, bolstered by many of their first team players, was not an easy feat and Chard should be proud of the progress and skills they put on show tonight. As Yeovil so wonderfully said on their social media post recently, the score really doesn't matter in these games. As always, rugby is the real winner.

Chard are playing at home on Sunday 11th December against Collumpton. They hope to see you there!