Regional 2 Tribute South West: Topsham 38-5 Chard

This is the first time that Chard have played at Topsham in a league match and considering the very wet weather recently and during the game both sides played their part in a very entertaining encounter.

It was the opinion of the large number of Chard supporters who travelled to the game that based on both matches between the teams this season Topsham have looked the strongest team in the league and in this game their handling and movement of the ball was simply outstanding throughout.

Chard started well enough and pinned Topsham back in their own 22 area, but they soon showed their class when after ten minutes on their first attack into the Chard half they crossed for a converted try under the posts.

It was clear that despite the conditions Topsham had the players to run the ball from anywhere and their 2nd try (also converted) was as good a team try as you will see at any level of the game when they counterattacked superbly from deep in their own half.

Chard were playing their part and both wingers Finn Shoemark and Jacob Bond went close to scoring but despite all their efforts Chard were unable to stop the hosts from scoring two more tries before the break and with Dave Biss getting a period in the bin the interval was reached with Topsham leading by 26pts to nil.

Chard would have a battle in the 2nd half having to play up the slight slope but despite being matched up front and not having too much success in the lineouts Chard fought hard, defended well and counter attacked when the opportunity arose. They were helped by some astute kicking from Niall Crouch and a brilliant piece of play between Crouch and Shoemark nearly ended with a super try.

Chard did get on the scoresheet when shortly after coming on as a replacement Lewis Hole finished off another lovely move for an unconverted try.

In typical style Topsham added two more tries late in the game to seal victory but despite issues through out the match in both scrum and lineout Chard could not be faulted for effort and left nothing out on the pitch.

For Chard Ben Fenton steadied things down in midfield and Dean Richards in the back row had a great game.

There are games when you just have to accept that the opposition despite all your efforts were  a better side and Topsham look good for a second successive promotion.

A special mention to Dave Morton who despite suffering a nasty season ending Achillies injury in the last game still turned up with his family to watch the game and everyone at the club wishes him well during his recovery.

Next Saturday Chard play their last home league match of the season against Truro and will be hoping that all players carrying niggles will be fit so that they able to play their strongest available side to get the win they need. Kick off will be at 2 30pm!

Paul Wright is organising a former players get together before the game and the club look forward to seeing as many as possible at the club from noon onwards.