Sat 11 Dec 2021, 14:30
WESTERN COUNTIES WEST
TIVERTON 18PTS CHARD 13PTS
Chard travelled to Tiverton with a strong side but came up against a very determined home outfit who probably on the balance of play deserved their victory in a match played in very heavy and sticky conditions.
This was the first defeat suffered by Chard since September and a losing bonus point was of little consolation to the players who despite the loss had given their all during the match
Chard took an early lead when Niall Crouch kicked a magnificent penalty from virtually on the half way line. 0-3
However Chard conceded a penalty of their own virtually from the restart and Tivvy fly half Callum Stone made no mistake to bring the scores level.
The playing surface was not conducive to running rugby and when Chard were awarded another penalty Crouch had no hesitation in stepping up to kick the three points. 3-6
Chard were playing up the slight slope in the opening half but they suffered a hammer blow on the half hour when not only did Ben Prouse score an unconverted try for Tiverton in the bottom left hand corner but Chard had their winger Billy Brooks red carded for an illegal tackle just before the try. It was certainly not a deliberate foul but sadly for Chard it looked as if the referee had little option under current regulations. Chard would have to play the remaining 50minutes with only 14 players.
It is a testimony to the fantastic effort of the Chard players that being down a player was not the main reason for them losing the game and in fact several late comers from the bar did not even realise that Chard had lost a player.
Just before half time Chard at last managed to get inside the home 22 meter area and following a series of five metre scrums Chard drove Tiverton back over their own line and number 9 Ross Colenso got the try which Crouch converted to give Chard a 8-13 lead at the break.
With the slope in their favour in the second period Chard were certainly favourites to go on and win the game and would probably have done so if they could win the territorial battle and get to play in the visitors 22 area.. However this proved a difficult task and although the Chard forwards were totally dominant in the set scrums they seemed to lose some faith in their lineout play and as a result wasted several good chances to use the boot to get into the corners. Ok their lineouts were not great but they were not that bad either and there was no reason why they would not come good again.
The majority of the game was being played in midfield but Chard were beginning to give away a lot of penalties and Stone converted one of them to bring Tiverton within 2 pts.
Tiverton are always a good strong outfit at home and they produced a fine bit of play which gave Vickery a chance to score under the posts and with Stone converting they moved in front again in the match with them now leading 18-13.
Chard would need a converted try to win the game and had quite a few opportunities in the final ten minutes. These chances were squandered but in the final minutes won a scrum close to the try line. Surely a push over try was there for the taking but in their eagerness to get it done and dusted they were penalised for pushing too early and Tiverton were able to celebrate.
A disappointing result but Chard have had a terrific season to date and are still in second place in the league.
They will be looking forward to taking on the challenge against unbeaten league leaders Wadebridge next Saturday with the game at Essex Close starting at 2 30pm
All the Chard players will be hoping that their supporters will come out in force to support the team in what will no doubt be a tremendous occasion.
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