Rugby: North let big lead slip against table toppers (From Gazette Series)

Western Counties North: North Bristol 23 Chard 31

11:27am Thursday 15th December 2011 in Thornbury Sport

NORTH Bristol suffered their first defeat since the beginning of October against league leaders Chard.

The game had everything: A pulsating start by the home side, total commitment from both teams and a comeback for the win by the visitors.

Martin Lambourne opened North’s account after three minutes with a penalty.

Centre Andre Samura’s powerful burst then set up the position for a home scrum. Nigel Smith, playing in his 100th League game, picked up and fed Alex Cue to continue the move and he found wing Carl Smith, who jinked inside two tacklers to score the try. Lambourne converted and North led 10-0 after eight minutes.

North’s other wing Martin Harrex collected a high kick and dodged and weaved into the midfield. He linked with John Wood, who raced 20 metres to give Carl Smith his second try.

Lambourne again slotted the conversion and North were 17-0 up in as many minutes against the league leaders.

However, Josh Davies had a kick charged down and Alan Henley dived on the loose ball to get Chard back into the game at 17-5.

Lambourne had the chance to stretch North’s lead but his penalty shaved the outside of the post after Chard were penalised for an early scrum break.

Chard started to gain some territory and scored their second try through Ryan Hellier after 31 minutes but Lambourne finished the half with a penalty and North led 20-10 at the break.

The visitors had only won two lineouts on their own throw in the first half and perhaps the turning point came on 45 minutes when North’s lineout supremo, Chris Jelf, was forced to leave the field after suffering the effects of a week long illness.

Chard were able to inflict more pressure, which led to their third try on 52 minutes, scored and converted by Paul Nicholls to put them right back in the mix at 20-17.

Lambourne was able to give North a little respite with a fine penalty, but Chard continued to pile on the pressure.

Despite fine defensive work from North, with skipper Ross Wilson leading the line, Chard were able to go into the lead after 70 minutes with a converted Jon Hendy try.

In injury time James Twigg scored for Chard to seal the win, denying North Bristol a bonus point.

North Bristol will hope to dust themselves off and take this performance into Saturday’s clash at in-form Keynsham.

North Bristol scorers: Tries - Carl Smith (2); Conversions - Martin Lambourne (2); Penalties - Martin Lambourne (3).