Chard RFC

Sat 22 Jan 2022, 14:30

Wiveliscombe

35 - 22

(HT 0-0)

Chard

Wiveliscombe

Chard

CHARD RUGBY REPORT FOR SATURDAY 22^NDJANUARY 2022

From

GLYN HUGHES

WESTERN COUNTIES WEST

WIVELISCOMBE 35PTS CHARD22PTS

This must have been a great game to watch for any neutral supporters and the home crowd  but for any one associated with Chard this was to say the least a very disappointing afternoon.

Chard lost the toss and were asked to play down the infamous Wivey slope in the first half and needed to ensure they had a good lead by the break.

They started really well and tactically got things right initially when they pinned the hosts back inside their 22area with some intelligent kicks. The Chard eight were then able to drive the Wivey forwards back and hooker Ben Robinson got the first of his two tries  after only a few minutes play. The conversion was missed but soon afterwards Chard doubled their lead when scrum half Ross Colenso got a  touch down following more excellent work by the forwards  although the try was again unconverted.

0-10

It certainly looked at this point as if Chard would go on and build up an insurmountable lead such was their dominance.  However as ever in this league nothing is that simple and Wiveliscombe are a  good side and certainly know how  to play their slope to advantage, They reduced the lead with a penalty  goal from Daniel Quick but Chard increased their lead with another five points from Ben Robinson.

Leading 3-15 Chard were dominating the game  but from the touchline it looked as if they  had eased up somewhat and began to make some quite basic errors in terms of kicking , tackling and general tactics. Wivey never seriously threatened the Chard line in the first half but they defended well and the break was reached with Chard still leading by just  12pts.

Would it be enough?

The answer came immediately when  Wivey scored two converted tries within the first few minutes of the half to take a 17-15 lead. Chard were shell shocked and the whole momentum of the game had changed in literally seconds much to the delight of the large number of home supporters who roared their team on.

It is hard  enough to play up the slope at the best of times but is particularly difficult in the 2^nd half when players are beginning to get tired and when you are up against a good team.

The home team increased their lead with a penalty and a converted try but Chard responded well and Niall Crouch made one of his timely interceptions to race through and score a converted try under the posts. After a difficult period Chard were now playing a lot better and were within a one score of regaining  the lead. They were denied several times when close to the line by some robust tackling and the referees whistle and it looked as if it was  just not going to their day.

Another penalty and a unconverted try in the dying seconds sealed the win  for Wiveliscombe with their tries coming from Sam Gibbs 2, Daniel Quick and  Frank Norman. Quick added three conversions as well as his penalty and another penalty was kicked by George Rowe..

Chard had beaten Wiveliscombe by 33pts to 8pts in the home match earlier in the season and 13 of the squad who played in that game were on the field today which just illustrates what a tough league this this and  that nothing can be taken for granted.

Despite the loss Chard did match Wivey in terms of tries scored and were able to take one bonus point .

Next Saturday Chard will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they travel to play against Cornish rivals Falmouth  kicking  off at 2 30pm.