Regional 2 Tribute Southwest: North Petherton 31-19 Chard RFC

Another ‘if only’ game for Chard as they came out second best to their Somerset rivals on Saturday, writes Glyn Hughes.

With several of the forwards not available for this game Chard gave debuts to Alfred Busby and Aiden Cable and they did not let the team down and showed plenty of promise.

The Chard pack dominated much of the forward game, but Petherton were very good at taking the opportunities that came their way and were clinical with their finishing. Chard probably did not make the most of their forward dominance either.

Chard went behind to an early penalty goal but fought back well and took the lead with a fine try from winger Emile Szydelko which was converted by Niall Crouch to make the score 3-7. The play was getting a bit scrappy and both sides were giving away penalties.

Petherton regained the lead midway through the half with a converted try and increased their advantage with another similar effort right on the half time whistle to lead 17-7 at the break.

Petherton might have lost out in the forward play, but they had some sharp and quick backs, and they scored another try early in the second half before the ever-dependable Warren Lewis pulled things back for Chard with a try which was not converted. 24-12.

Another converted try took Petherton into a 31-12 lead but with ten minutes left the hosts found themselves under a lot of pressure close to their own line. They were unable to deal with it and Chard were correctly awarded a penalty try.

Chard are now 3rd from bottom in the league with just one win and several bonus points to their name to date.

They could easily have won several other matches but obviously missed tackles and conceding too many penalties is not helping their cause. They have a young side with lots of potential so let’s hope that elusive next win is not far away.

There is no game next Saturday because of the World Cup Final and Chard are next in action on Saturday 4th November when they entertain Sidmouth kick off 2 30pm.

Chard have had word that the 1st xv captain of their 1973/4 team Richard Gard wants to come to this match as it is 50yrs since he was captain!

The club will give him a fine welcome and it would be really good if any club members /supporters who were around at that time were able to come to the game and meet up with Richard.