Sat 2 Oct 2021, 15:00
CHARD RUGBY REPORT
WESTERN COUNTIES WEST
CHARD 33PTS WIVELISCOMBE 8PTS
By Glyn Hughes
After a poor performance against Burnham a week ago Chard bounced back on Saturday with a five try performance against local rivals Wiveliscombe who themselves thus far had had a very good start to the season.
Despite the horrendous weather conditions the pitch was in excellent condition and a very good crowd ....( bolstered by a former players and friends get together in the club organised by former Chard captain Rob Gilbert who had also previously played for the visitors) ..... turned up to watch the game.
Chard got off to the perfect start when fly half Niall Crouch set up an opportunity for winger Emile Szydelko in the opening minutes. He showed a clean pair of heels to outpace the visitors defence to cross for the first try which Crouch converted.
7-0
The Chard forwards were well on top from the off and David Morton playing out of position in the back row really put himself about and made some terrific hits which curtailed many efforts from the visitors who played with enthusiasm but in truth rarely threatened the Chard line.
In the opening half Chard were actually their own worst enemy in that they gained lots of ground and created plenty of scoring opportunities but then wasted them by giving away too many penalties in the visitors half .
How many times has that been said before!?
In addition to a high penalty count the wet conditions were not exactly making handling easy and the ball got knocked on a number of times as well.
Wiveliscombe pulled three points back when Dan Quick kicked a massive penalty goal from his own half
7-3
Just before the interval Chard went further ahead when after forward pressure lock forward Dan Goetz scored a try under the posts which Crouch converted. This score gave a somewhat more realistic picture of the game than otherwise might have been the case.
Half time Chard 14pts Wiveliscombe 3pts.
Chard continued to dominate play in the second half and the visitors had to work hard to keep them at bay.
It seemed inevitable that Chard would add to their score but it took a set move from a lineout to eventually break through a stubborn defence. The move involved Morton taking the final pass and he made no mistake and powered over in the left hand corner . Crouch again added the extras.
A yellow card did not help the ‘Wivey ‘ cause and Chard went over for their bonus point try when a well placed kick to the corner from Crouch was picked up easily by an unmarked Billy Brooks to score. With Crouch again successfully kicking the conversion Chard were out of sight with a 28-3 lead and little time remaining.
Chard increased their lead when they drove over from a five metre scrum and number nine Ross Colenso got the touch down for the fifth try. 33-3
With virtually the last play of the game the never say die attitude of the visitors was rewarded when Sam Gibbs sneaked over in the left hand corner for an unconverted try.
Chard have now played and won all three of their home games this season.
Final score Chard 33pts Wiveliscombe 8pts
Next Saturday Chard are at home again when they entertain Falmouth with a 3pm ko
Glyn Hughes
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