Tribute Western Counties Western North: Wellington Chiefs 19pts, Chard 27
Another spirited display by the Chiefs ended in a local derby defeat by Chard at the Athletic Ground this afternoon (Saturday).
The Chiefs paid the price for a slow start, conceding three first-half tries before mounting a determined second-half fightback.
Chard crossed twice in the opening 15 minutes to establish a 10pts-nil lead and added a converted try on the half-hour to stretch their advantage to 17 points.
That remained the score at the interval, leaving Wellington with a considerable task if they were to get back into contention.
But they responded well after the break and opened their account on the hour through a try by Mike Fulwell. The conversion was missed, leaving them trailing 17pts-5.
Five minutes later, Callum Warren went over for Wellington’s second try, with Alex Davey adding the conversion to bring the hosts within five points and raise hopes of a comeback.
Chard, however, delivered a crucial response just two minutes later, scoring a converted try to move 24pts-12 ahead.
A penalty on 70 minutes extended the visitors’ lead to 15 points, but Wellington continued to battle.
Ashley Harney crossed a minute later and Davey landed his second conversion to reduce the deficit to eight points at 27pts-19.
Despite their spirited recovery and three second-half tries, the Chiefs were unable to overturn Chard’s early advantage, leaving the visitors to take the derby honours.
Photos by Gill Paltridge
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