Regional 2 Tribute South West: Chard 41-46 Crediton

CREDITON were certainly the best side Chard have faced so far this season and both sides provided the spectators with some wonderful entertainment with the result in doubt until the final whistle, writes Glyn Hughes.

The teams shared 12 tries and the six scored by Chard were terrific efforts and although narrowly losing the contest Chard at least had some consolation by claiming two losing bonus points.

Chard took a very early lead when hooker Joe Mainwaring crashed over for an unconverted try after only a few minutes, but this was cancelled out when Crediton scored a well-rehearsed catch and drive try following a kick to the corner which was superbly converted by their kicker with a well-judged effort.

Crediton were looking sharp and aggressive in loose play and deservedly increased their lead with another converted try after 20minutes. 5-14

Chard have a lot of pace in their side and Finn Shoemark followed up a long kick down field, charged down the attempted clearance kick and dribbled the ball over the line for try converted by Niall Crouch but the visitors who had an outstanding goal kicker added a penalty which took the score to 12-17.

Both kickers having good games and added a penalty apiece before the break to bring the score to 15-20 at the interval.

Crediton had looked the stronger side in the opening half, but Chard would certainly be looking to improve their lineout and one on one tackling in the second period which had let them down a bit in the first half.

Crediton started the second half well and initially it looked as if their two converted try burst in the opening ten minutes had given Chard too much to do as they now trailed 15-34.

Chard had other ideas however and their recovery started with a fine individual effort from Crouch who scored and converted the try. This was followed by a lovely bit of play from Emile Szydelko who made ground before releasing Dean Richards for a bonus point try which was again converted by Crouch. Things got even better for Chard   when Lewis Hole who had had a good game scored a lovely unconverted try. 34-39

Chard had by now made a few tactical and positional changes in the backs and Ieuan Watkins who had come on as scrum half produced some brilliant play to set up Dave Biss for a try under the posts which was also converted by Crouch to unbelievably put Chard ahead. 41-39. In the final ten minutes Crediton looked strong and on the balance of play just about deserved their winning try.

Chard is a very exciting side to watch at the moment and if only they can get the basics right then results will follow.

Next Saturday Chard are away at Cullompton who have done really well since gaining promotion last season. Another tough game but they all are in this real competitive division. Kick off at Cullompton is 3pm.