AFTER two very disappointing defeats Chard bounced back with a nail-biting 21-17 victory at Wadebridge to record their first-ever competitive victory on Cornish soil, writes Glyn Hughes.

Despite at least six of the squad being unavailable due to injury, Chard travelled to Wadebridge for a Tribute South West 1 encounter confident that they could get a result.

And coach Steve Broome was delighted with the way all the players put their bodies on the line to pull off a late but thoroughly deserved victory.

Not the prettiest of wins maybe, but an effective one.

Chard started the game strongly only for the home side to open the scoring with a penalty goal from their scrum half Josh Taylor who made the most of Chard being caught offside.

Both sides were attempting to play running rugby but it would be the Chard pack who would hold the decisive card.

Chard were given a penalty five metres out virtually on the half-time whistle. They opted for a scrum and drove the home forwards back over their own line and Gabe Riley touched the ball down for his first senior try.

Skipper Chris Doak added the extras and Chard led by 7-3 at the break.

Both defences tackled well in the opening period of the second half but when Chard were awarded a five metre scrum the combined power of Simon Jenkins, Luke Aplin and Nick Hyslop in the front row was too much for the home side.

The referee rightly awarded a penalty try to Chard as the home forwards wilted and were forced to infringe. Doak added the conversion points from in front of the posts.

Chard held on to their lead until the 60th minute when the home forwards won good ball from a line-out following a penalty and lock forward Dan Lumb crossed the Chard line for a try converted by centre Danny Thomas.

Chard were shell-shocked and virtually from the kick off Wadebridge scored again when their impressive No8 burst through several tackles and set up a good handling movement which resulted in winger Tom Rowe going over for a try.

This was also converted well by Thomas to give Wadebridge a 17-14 lead.

Chard did not let their heads drop and came back strongly but were let down by some unforced errors.

However the Chard pack would prove to be the key factor in the game and after a series of plays near the home line Wadebridge had a forward yellow carded.

And after a series of infringements the referee had no alternative but to award a second penalty try to Chard.

Doak again kicked the conversion to seal a very pleasing win for Chard which left coach Broome ecstatic.

This Saturday Chard are at home to Bridgwater with the kick-off at 2.30pm.

The bar will be open from 1pm and a pre-match meal will be available for £5. Orders must be confirmed with Helen Broome by Friday.

Chard: Harrison, Herbert, J Massey, Douglas, Allen-Roberts, Doak, Johnson, Hyslop, Jenkins, Aplin, Mouland, Henley, Parsons, Riley and Wright. Replacements: Robinson, Tinley, Gosden.

Other results: Somerset Division One – Chard 2nds 26, Imperial 1sts 45; Somerset Division 3 (S) – Martock 5, Chard 3rds 28.

Fixture: Yatton 2nds v Chard 2nds (3pm).