Regional 2 Tribute Southwest: Truro 38-19 Chard RFC

CHARD travelled down to Cornwall with just one replacement after a few late withdrawals to play against Truro who after a poor start to the season had won their last three games and were looking to make it four on the bounce, writes Glyn Hughes.

Chard soon realised that Truro would kick long down field at any opportunity to get field position deep in the Chard half and it soon became a successful tactic as Chard shot themselves in the foot by making a few early unforced errors and the home team took advantage and scored two converted tries in the opening seven minutes to lead 14-0

After the second score Chard fought back immediately when fly half Niall Crouch made a classy break which set up a scoring opportunity for centre George Russo which he took with aplomb. Crouch added the conversion points to cut Truro’s lead in half. 14-7

Truro had some big forwards and Chard who often dominate forward play were on the wrong end of a forward drive and were unable to prevent the Truro pack from pushing them back over their own line for their third try.   The conversion attempt hit the upright. 19-7

Truro added a fourth bonus point try shortly before the break to lead 24-7.

Chard hadn’t played that badly in the first half  but were guilty of not getting the basics right at times. Youngster Jacob Bond who was starting his first match for the 1st xv looks  like someone with massive potential.

In the second half Chard brought on their replacement Jack Ellliot who was making a welcome return to the side having not been able to play since last season. He would go on to half an excellent 40 minutes and won a lot of valuable lineout ball.

Chard used the slight slope well and from a lineout close to the home try line they crossed for an excellent try with Dave Biss getting the final touch. Crouch got the extras. 24-14

Just as Chard were getting on top a few dropped passes and a missed tackle or two gave Truro the chance to score another converted try. 31-14

Chard were playing a lot better and fully deserved a third try when Joe Mainwaring crashed over for an unconverted effort. With the score now at 31-19 and time running out Chard could not really win the game but were desperate for a 4th try which would have given them two valuable bonus points but, in their haste, to do so gave away possession and Truro broke clear in the last minute for another try. 38-19.

Next Saturday Chard are at home to fellow strugglers Burnham on Sea so all Chard supporters forget the Christmas shopping and get down to support the players! Kick off 2 30pm.

Elsewhere, in the Counties 3 Somerset South, Chard Seconds defeated Cheddar Valley 22-10.

Chard collected five points with this win with tries coming from Billy Vernon 2, Ross Fanyinka and Sam Mouland. Vernon also added one conversion.

This was a very satisfying win especially with the number of players currently not available for selection due to an increasing number of players having to recover from knocks.