Sat 6 Nov 2021, 14:30
Western Counties West
Newton Abbot 26pts Chard 47pts
Despite the loss of several regular players for this match Chard proved yet again what a strong squad they have and many of the Chard supporters present thought this was probably their best performance of the season against a more than useful home team.
Chard played against a very strong wind in the first half but they played well enough not to make it a factor.
They took an early lead when skipper Luke Aplin touched down in the corner and Niall Crouch added the conversion points.
The hosts got back into the game with a penalty from Harry Allen before the excellent Jack Elliot increased the Chard lead with a second try again converted by Crouch.
Newton Abbot had some hefty players who managed to cross the gain line a bit too often for comfort and two tries from prop Lloyd Radford brought the hosts to within a point.
This would however prove to be the closest Newton Abbot got to holding any sort of advantage in the match.
Chard increased their lead with a lovely opportunist try from the ever improving Lewis Hole following a counter attacking move down the left.
Allen and Crouch exchanged penalty goals and half time was reached with Chard holding a slender 16-22 lead.
Chard really upped their game to even higher levels in the 2nd period with Matt Tinley who was having a particularly good game getting the bonus point try in the opening minute of the half.
16-27
The really pleasing thing from Chard’s point of view was that the players promoted into the squad from the 2nds namely Luke Carslake, Dean Richards and Dylan Moss all fitted seamlessly into the game when called upon and made telling contributions.
Chard were playing some lovely flowing rugby and Emile Szydelko made the most of a fine kick from Crouch to add a converted try and with Crouch also slotting over a penalty Chard were ahead by 16-37
The home side were always capable of looking dangerous and deservedly got a bonus point for scoring four tries when firstly Ben Speare and then Tom Osbourne crossed the whitewash.
Crouch had sandwiched a penalty for Chard between these two tries and with a fine late converted effort from Szydelko taking the Chard score up to 47pts they had after a hard fought contest recorded a 2nd away win and moved into 3rd place in the division.
A fine spirited team effort from Chard who looked fit, keen and well organised.
There are no league fixtures next week and the 1st xv return to action on November 20th with a home game against Paignton who had a good win against Burnham on Saturday.
Glyn Hughes
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