Drybrook 47ptsChard 19pts
Drybrook showed their intent from the start, interplay between forwards and backs put Luke Fisher over for the first try, duly converted by Tom Treherne.
This was followed by a superb break, almost from the restart, by Ben George who made forty metres only for the final pass be adjudged forward. However, minutes later Sam Peaper scampered over for a try from a five metre scrum, again converted by Treherne.
Drybrook continued to press and from broken play, flanker Mitch Bourne made an excellent break, and off loaded to Matt Denton, who ran in the try. Once again, the in-form Treherne banged over the conversion.
Drybrook, playing with authority, increased the pressure on Chard by some spectacular moves involving the whole side. Eventually following a back row drive, Stand off Tim Stevenson found a gap and ran in the fourth try with Treherne again adding the conversion.
Just before half time, Fisher was yellow carded for persistent hands in the ruck to put a dampener on an otherwise excellent first half.
Half Time:
Drybrook 28pts
Chard nil
The second half saw a resurgence from Chard who immediately went on the offensive forcing Drybrook into conceding a five metre penalty. A quick tap and go led to a converted try and then, from the kick off, Chard were the first to react and broke out for a second score, reducing the deficit to 28 – 12.
At this point, Fisher was back on and Danny Price and Mitch Hale replaced Alex Wolfe and Sam Peaper.
Shortly after this Drybrook were awarded a scrum and were quickly in trouble but, as they were pushed back, Denton managed to pick up the ball and feed Treherne who made a quick break creating space for winger Mitch Baldwin to race over in the corner.
Chard then launched a series of fierce counter attacks but were unable to break a stout Drybrook defence.
Kristian Taft came on to replace Robbie Faulkner and immediately the forwards drove on and Glenn Nott broke with the ball, The second row performed a subtle chip over the opposition, regained possession, and fed Taft who ran in the try, Treherne added the conversion.
With 15 minutes to go Wolfe replaced Joshua James and shortly afterwards, Sam Peaper rejoined the fray to replace George on the wing.
Chard were still not giving up and from a scrum spun the ball across their threes to score wide out. The Chard stand off, who was having a great game, kicked the conversion to bring the score to 40 -19.
Five minutes later, Drybrook scored again, a pick up and pass from the scrum enabled Tom Treherne to make the break and score the try and add the conversion.
Both sides played good rugby – pleasure to watch. Stevenson was named man of the match for Drybrook but, it is fair to say, the whole side played well.
Drybrook 1st XV: Rob Faulkner, Ben George, Ben Large (Capt), Jamie Cooke, Mitch Baldwin, Tim Stevenson, Tom Treherne, Alex Wolfe, Luke Fisher, Joshua James, Will Greenway, Glenn Nott, Mitch Bourne, Sam Peaper, Matt Denton.
Replacements: Dan Price, Mitch Hale, Kristian Taft,
