South West tribute regional Two: Chard RFC 15-32 Sidmouth RFC

CHARD RFC were handed a difficult defeat at the weekend at home against Sidmouth RFC in the South West Tribute Regional Two division.

As a result of this fixture Chard remain in the bottom two relegation spots but Sidmouth are now the league leaders.

This was always going to be a tough task for Chard especially as it was a re-arranged fixture with several players not available for selection but in their favour was the return of Dave Morton in the back row and another opportunity for exciting young scrum half Ieuan Watkins.

Sidmouth scored early on and looked a strong side as you would expect but Chard improved and during the game scored tries through Watkins and Emile Szydelko with Niall Crouch getting one conversion and a penalty.

Sidmouth turned it on in the final quarter of the game and were helped by Chard losing three players to the bin and for a few minutes playing with only twelve!

Chard were unable to keep up their defensive play for the whole game which has been an issue during the season to date and is certainly something to work on.

Chard have three more games before Christmas against sides in the lower half of the league and will be going all out to pick up as many points as possible. The first of these is away at Truro next Saturday.

Elsewhere, in the Counties 3 Somerset South division, Tor RFC defeated Chard RFC Seconds by 31 points to 8.

Chard slipped to defeat at Glastonbury with their points coming from James Vining try and Billy Vernon penalty.

Next Saturday the 2nd XV are at home to Cheddar 1sts at 2.30pm.

In other news at the club, next month they are hosting a Christmas Fundraising Fayre on December 15.

The event will run from 6-9pm on that Friday night at the rugby club and all profits will go towards the National 3 Peaks Challenge, the Chard Community Hub and Chard Rugby Club.

A spokesperson from the club said: "Looking for some local family friendly Christmas fun?! We’re holding a Christmas Fayre, featuring local craft stalls, plenty of Christmas music, and lots of festive cheer!

"A selection of drinks and snacks, including mince pies, hot mulled apple juice, and homemade cakes. A Tombola with a range of prizes to win, Some festive games? Come on down!"