WINSCOMBE took to the field with nine regular first team players missing due to injury and then lost winger Tim Farmer in the first five minutes.

WINSCOMBE took to the field with nine regular first team players missing due to injury and then lost winger Tim Farmer in the first five minutes.

As the score suggests Chard were a class apart and with their sprinkling of New Zealanders and some quality players from Taunton, they showed how the game should be played.

Their strength, speed and support for the ball carrier were excellent and they dominated all phases of play and must be favourites for promotion this season.

Chard missed an early penalty for handling in the ruck. After a series of pick and drive phases, Chard spun the ball wide and with the full-back entering the line, the extra man was created and the winger crossed in the corner.

The conversion failed but two more converted tries followed quickly and the floodgates opened. Chard began running the ball and with excellent support play they ran in a further three tries before half-time, all converted to lead 40-0.

The onslaught continued after the break and Chard were too powerful for Winscombe, who were starved of possession and when they did try to run the ball the attacks were halted by a strong Chard defence.

With several debutants in their line-up, Winscombe never gave up and tackled like demons, but the points still kept mounting. Chard’s one lapse in discipline for disputing the referee’s decision saw them marched back 10 metres, but the resultant penalty kick hit the post.

Chard ran in a further eight tries in the second half, four converted to complete Winscombe’s heaviest defeat of the season.

On Saturday, the 1st XV are away to Chew Valley (2.30pm) and the 2nd XV are at home to Chew Valley 2nds (2.30pm).