Tribute Regional 2 South West: Chard 22-18 Wadebridge

THIS was another massive game for Chard in their fight to stay in this division and they deserve a great deal of credit for a terrific display and win against one of the better teams in the league.

The result pulled them well clear of the relegation zone and secured their league status for next season.

Chard have played well in recent weeks and have picked up ten points from their last three games. Injury protocol meant that two players were unable to play in this game but in total the Chard starting 15 showed five changes from the team that had travelled to Truro last weekend.

The new half back pairing of Ieuan Watkins and George Russo played particularly  well indeed as did centre Joe Massey.

Chard started very well indeed when  straight from the kick off Wadebridge made a hash of things and from the resultant scrum number eight jack Elliott touched down when Wadebridge were pushed back over their own line.

The conversion kick hit the upright, but Chard had an early 5pt advantage. This advantage doubled  when following some excellent work by the forwards the ball went to Massey who crossed for an excellent but unconverted try. 10-0

Wadebridge came back strongly and deservedly got on the score sheet with a converted try after 15minutes. 10-7

On the balance of play Chard were well on top with Watkins showing the value of well placed box kicks from the base of the scrum. It was no real surprise when Chard went further ahead with the impressive Elliot crossing  for a third Chard try which was converted by  Emile Szydelko. 17-7            

A very solid and good tactical performance from Chard in the opening half and they were well worth their ten point lead at the break.

Wadebridge looked a different team in the 2nd half and Chard found themselves under real pressure from the off. They conceded far too many penalties early on and Wadebridge reduced the arrears with two successful penalties and also somehow managed to miss the easiest kick of all.

It was a bit of awake up call for Chard who had also not helped their cause by failing to find touch a number of times but  they weathered the storm and the outstanding Dave Morton gave Chard their bonus point when he sneaked over for a 4th try which although again unconverted put Chard 22-13 ahead.

Defensively Chard have been awesome in recent weeks and the same was true in this game.

With ten minutes to go the visitors closed the gap to 4pts when they crossed for their 2nd try.

Despite having Joe Mainwaring sent to the bin in the final minutes for an adjudged high tackle Chard were on top and had what looked like a certain try disallowed  for offside but never the  less held on for a well-deserved victory which was really appreciated by the home support.

Chard have one more league game against Sherborne next Friday night kick off 7 30pm and the club are running a coach which is free for supporters.

Anyone interested should contact Kev Johnson on 07379 100124 to reserve a seat.