Axminster v. Chard: This match was played at Chard on Saturday. Winning the toss, Axminster decided play down the incline. Chard kicked off and Ball receiving passed to Restorick, but he being forward a scrum took place, from which the Chard forwards rushed over the line, and Dawson kicked a splendid goal. Upon play being resumed Gerrish got possession, but was quickly “grassed.” From the line out a Chard man got away and passed, but Gerrish intercepted. He did not, however, travel far. A scrum followed, and one of Chard men being offside, the visitors were given a free kick. Gerrish kicking into touch, Lee got away from the lineout, but he was stopped, by Pinsent. Falling, he dropped the ball, and Ball saved, but the referee, who evidently could not have witnessed what occurred, gave a try, which Dawson failed to goal. After the drop out, Chard again pressed, and forced Pinsent to kick “dead.” From restarting the ball went into touch. Upon the lineout Gerrish came away with the ball at his toes, but lost it when nearing the line. A few minutes later he again got away with a good dribble, when on the line kicked across to Collins, who scored. Gerrish himself took the kick, and the cross bar was safely negotiated. Halftime was then called, the score standing Chard one goal one try; Axminster, one goal. On the resumption of play Mitchell kicked off, and following up well prevented Dawson’s kick. A scrum took place, from which the Chard forwards rushed the ball the field but Pinsent picking up made a good run around several of his opponents, but Dening “downed” him before he could kick. In falling he hurt his neck, and was delayed for couple of minutes. On the restart, a scrum took place, and from this the Chard forwards rushed the ball over the line, and Taylor saved, but a Chard man claimed a try, and the referee, when appealed to, allowed it: Dawson failed to convert. From the dropout Dawson kicked into touch. The Chard forwards, again obtaining possession, they rushed the leather over the line. Dawson took the kick at goal, which was not a success. After the drop out a series of scrums took place and from one of these Gerrish came up the field with the ball at his feet. Collins following up well, he secured a try, which Gerrish converted. Time was called shortly afterwards leaving Chard victorious by one goal and three tries (two disputed) (14 points), to Axminster’s two goals (10 points). The play of some of the Chard men was very rough.
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
Referenced
GRO0520 Devonport: John Douglas Pinsent: 1872 – 1936