Tribute South West One West

Chard 15,

Travelling away for the second week in a row Kingsbridge produced a gutsy performance in gaining their first victory in South West One.

A bonus-point win over a Chard side who were also looking for their first points of the season was fair reward for a Kings side who have shown true grit on the road over the last couple of weeks.

In blustery conditions Kings got off to a poor start as Chard took control via their totally dominant scrum.

It was only 10 minutes into the game, after a series of collapsing scrums on the Kings’ line, that the referee awarded a penalty try which was converted for 7-0.

Back came Kings and with play opening up it allowed the visitors to show how good they can be.

Westlake carried well throughout the match and a sustained period of pressure saw what Kings thought was their first try, only to be pulled back for a foot in touch.

Keeping the pressure up with a fine break from Banfield, who cut the line well all afternoon, Jones picked up a loose ball and quickly distributed, with Dave Stevens crossing for an unconverted try to leave the score 7-5.

Chard continued to dominate the scrums, with Kings struggling to get any possession and forced into defending for long periods.

However, from yet another Chard attack Kings slipped the shackles as Ben New­man intercepted a wayward pass and ran 70 metres to touch down under the posts. Jones converted for 7-12, a score which was un­changed at the half-time whistle.

Almost from the kick-off back came Chard with an unconverted try in the corner after Kings had been pegged back to level the scores.

In what proved to be the turning point of the game Chard, pressing Kings hard, had a series of penalties close to the visitors’ line, but even with Kingsbridge having a player carded, they elected to scrum again and were penal­ised themselves.

This allowed Kings to clear and from there on they rallied and took the game to Chard. A fine try by Glover, who showed great strength to touch down, was the start of sustained Kings pressure.

With the extras not added, Kings led 12-17, before Chard cut the deficit with yet another penalty.

Back came Kings with another unconverted try from Glover after fine play between Parrott and Banfield as Kings opened up a seven-point lead.

Chard tried to chase the game, but the Kings defence held up well and they continued to attack and were rewarded with a penalty which Jones slotted.

A good team effort from Kings, whose open play and line-out were in good order and it should take them into their next few games with confidence but with plenty of work to do in their tight play.