Sat 23 Oct 2021, 15:00
HONITON 22PTS CHARD 63PTS
By Glyn Hughes
Chard recorded their first away win of the season against winless Honiton in a game which produced thirteen tries of which Chard scored nine which were all converted
Chard clearly looked the stronger side but credit to Honiton who were far better than their lowly league position would have suggested.
Chard lost the toss and as is normally the case here they were asked to play with the advantage of the slope in the first half.
It took Chard just six minutes to go into the lead when following some good play from the pack the ball was passed out to Niall Crouch who lofted an inch perfect kick to the far corner which Billy Brooks gathered cleanly to go over unopposed . Crouch converted. 0-7
Any thoughts Chard supporters had of their team running away with things were quickly dissipated as some poor handling and tackling gave Honiton an instant opportunity to hit back and they broke through the Chard defence with Ben Kidson scoring a really good unconverted try in the top right corner.5-7
More was to follow as Honiton made the most of some self inflicted mistakes by the visitors. They turned over possession and scored a second unconverted try with James Bernback getting on the score sheet to put his team in the lead.
10-7
From this point all the pressure came from Chard and it was fitting that their outstanding forward Jack Elliot should score from a set piece move close to the Honiton line after 34minutes which put Chard back into the lead at last
10-14.
Chard were relieved to at last make their superiority count but the referee was not to keen on the celebrations that followed!
In the final ten minutes of the half Chard scored two more converted tries with initially player/coach Ben Thomas making a timely interception to give him a clear run to the line which was quickly followed by the Chard backs showing how good they can be when they get things right as a lovely flowing move ended with Emile Szydelko taking the final pass from Brooks to score. The immaculate boot of Crouch added both conversions and Chard led 10-28 at the break.
Honiton had a good spell immediately after the interval and reduced the deficit by seven points in the opening minute when they capitalised on some hesitant Chard play and Johnny House scored a converted try.
17-28 Game on!!
Chard are a good side and they immediately upped their game despite being against the slope and the elements. Szydelko crossed for his second try and a few minutes later the devastating strength of their forwards was clearly shown when a superb set piece move from the lineout allowed former skipper Matt Tinley to drive over for try number six. Crouch was having a day to remember and comfortably slotted the conversions which took the score up to 17-42.
Chard then scored an amazing try when Honiton themselves had looked certain to score following an interception. Szydelko however raced back to tackle the player and somehow or other regained possession himself. His kick up field bounced kindly and he ran through to score under the posts! Breath taking stuff!
Chard had brought on replacement Huw Edwards in the second half and he showed what a clinical finisher he can be when he ran through for two late tries to give Chard a resounding win having scored 35pts in the second half.
Dan Bernheart had earlier scored a fourth try for Honiton which gave them a well deserved bonus point.
Chard know their handling has to improve but today lets not forget that Jack Elliot gave a superb man of the match performance, Crouch was faultless with the boot and Szydelko can cause chaos with his pace.
This win takes Chard up to 4th in the table.
Next Saturday Chard are at home to Kingsbridge which kicks off at 3pm.
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