Sat 22 Oct 2022
đź“ť MATCH REPORT đź“ť
Written by Glyn Hughes
FRIDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2022 - TRIBUTE REGIONAL 2 SOUTH WEST
CHARD 15pts SHERBORNE 7pts
Despite the terrible weather conditions, a big enthusiastic crowd turned up to watch this lively league encounter on Friday evening under the lights.
Chard had made far too many mistakes against North Petherton in their previous game and were keen to put that behind them. This they did against a more than useful Sherborne team when two late scores in a barn stopping finish saw them to a victory they just about deserved.
Injury protocols, unavailability and a suspension forced some changes to the Chard squad and their back division was probably the youngest and most inexperienced they have put out. What they lacked in experience and tactical nous however was offset by a never say attitude and superb defensive display.
Sherborne started well and took the lead after 12 minutes when their useful scrum half Rhidian McGuire crossed for a try converted by Marcus Heath. 0-7
Chard then lost the services of hooker Joe Mainwaring who was replaced by Ben Robinson
Chard were causing problems for themselves by trying to run the ball too often from deep in their own half in the wet and windy conditions instead of occasionally kicking for territory. When they did eventually get into the visitor’s half, they won a series of scrummages before their nippy scrum half Dougie Herbert scored wide out on the left. Emile Szydelko who has been called up to the Polish national squad added the conversion points with a fine kick but soon after he too left the field having sustained a knock 7-7.
The rest of the half was evenly contested but Darius Towers was sent to the bin for a late tackle just before the break. H/T 7-7
Chard played a lot better in the 2nd period despite having to defend ferociously for ten minutes or so when Sherborne did everything right except score. This superb defensive play kept Chard in the game, and they were helped by Heath missing a penalty. Chard had to rearrange things a little and Sam Mouland who had come on put Chard ahead for the first time with a penalty kick. 10-7
In the final quarter Chard were well on top with their fitness levels grinding Sherborne down. They dominated play and won scrum after scrum in the away 22. Sherborne survived not conceding a penalty try but did lose two players to the bin and with the odds now stacked against them were unable to stop Dean Richards from crossing for a try which would give Chard victory, and also prevent the visitors from claiming a losing bonus point.
The forwards were immense for Chard and it was no surprise that Max Gosden won the man of the match award.
Chard are in 8th position in the table
A collection was taken on behalf of the clubs chosen charity during the evening. The charity is the Katherine Rutherford’s Sunshine Glioblastoma Foundation. This has been set up by Katherine’s family to aid research into this appalling disease. Katherine was the daughter of former Chard coach George Cooper, and a solicitor as well as an outstanding sportswoman who sadly passed away only 74 days after diagnosis.
Next Saturday Chard are away against Teignmouth .
The 2nd xv are at home to Huish Tigers after having a walkover this week after Yeovil were unable to field a side for their home game. The wing Commanders remain in 2nd place in their division.
#chardrfcoffical #matchreport #eagles
⚫️🟡🔴
