Regional 2 Tribute South West: Burnham-on-Sea 19-21 Chard

CHARD RFC earned a gritty win at the weekend away from home against Burnham-on-Sea RFC.

With temperatures at Costa del Burnham at a staggering level both sides deserve credit for somehow having the energy to get through the game and provide plenty of excitement for the supporters.

The home side scored two unconverted tries in the opening half with Scott Beard and Scott Havercroft getting the touchdowns. 

Chard kept in touch with the boot of fly half Niall Crouch converting three penalty kicks and indeed could have been in front but a try scoring effort from prop Dave Biss was judged to have been held up, so the mid-way point was reached with Burnham leading 10pts to 9pts.

Early in the second half Matt Tinley went very close for Chard before Crouch and winger Finn Shoemark linked up well for Chard’s first try which went unconverted A long kick down field from Crouch was chased by Shoemark who kept calm and dribbled the ball over the line before touching down.

A second try for Chard came as a result of some excellent teamwork which started with skipper Luke Aplin finding space before the ball was spun wide through several pairs of hands before Crouch found a gap to score a fine try which he also converted.

Chard have a young but talented back division with loads of potential and it was really encouraging to see them getting lots of width in their game.

Hooker Joe Mainwaring had a good game and was named man of the match.

Crouch kicked well and Aiden Cable, Jack Mills were all mentioned in dispatches.

Havercroft kicked three penalties for Burnham in the second half but Chard held on to claim a deserved victory which was very sweet after last weeks last minute disappointment against Wadebridge.

Next Saturday Chard are at Home to Wellington 3pm kick off.

Elsewhere, Chard 2nds were beaten in another close contest at home against Wellington RFC Seconds.

The end result was 12-15 as both sides were strong defensively.

All in all a very close contest with Scott John and Billy Vernon each scoring a try for Chard with Vernon adding one conversion.

Next Saturday Chard 2nd xv are away at Burnham.