Chard third XV had the luxury of a large playing squad and so were able to use a lot of replacements as they defeated Wincanton 5-3.

Brian Sugar stepped into the captain’s role, leading the team against a barbarian-looking team playing for Wincanton.

Chard had the advantage of the slight slope in the first half and the accurate boot of Wayne Lewis, playing at 10, kept the ball in the opposition’s half and pressure from all the players forced Wincanton to work hard to keep the score pointless.

The visitors rarely went on the attack, but when they did it took all of Chard’s efforts to stop their breaks and with some fine tackling from Stuart Sugar and Billy Vernon the stalemate continued.

Wincanton got the first points when they were awarded a penalty in front of the posts for an infringement that also saw Paul Wright go to the bin for 10 minutes and with the man advantage the visitors upped their game, but Chard stayed strong.

Once back to full strength, Chard pressed down the left wing and Billy Vernon spotted a route through the Wincanton defence and scored the only try of the game under the posts. Debut playing Matthew Tinley stepped up to take the kick, but pulled it just wide.

Chard made no fewer then seven changes at half-time and started as they finished the first half with good work in the pack and then through the hands, and when Wincanton attacked the defence was superb. James Dunningand Jordan Beale both made try saving tackles and although neither team scored in the second half it was full of action and both teams deserved to take something from the game.

The Man of the Match for Chard is simply too hard to call as everyone put in a decent shift, but a big thumbs up should go to Harry Miller, Billy Brooks and Ben Taunton.

Chard 2nd XV were due to host Tor in a Somerset Two South meeting, but Tor, who have struggled to put out a 2nd XV at times this season, failed to turn up so the young referees appointed for the games, who were being coached and assessed, gave the III XV game the rare luxury of having a touch judge and referee for their game.

This Saturday (April 14) Chard 2nd XV travel to Yatton III and Chard 3rd XV are away at Wells 2nd XV.