In April 2019 Chew Valley came to Midsomer Norton to win Somerset Premier. Of the squad that day Jonathan Eves Rich Light Luke Sparkes-brown Alex Cameron Dan Gatton Charles Shallcross and Tom Bryan played their part in securing the points necessary to secure automatic promotion to South West 1 securing the necessary point through four tries in the first half playing down the slope into to wind. Harry Stride on the wing crossed after 2 minutes and with the home backs bottled up their opposite numbers with centre Reece Carter and flanker Luke Treneman strong in the tackle the hosts had little to offer out wide. Hooker Jack Monk scored for Chew Valley off a driving maul and everytime the visitors put width on the ball they looked dangerous. Dan Gatton at 10 followed up a Stride break in the corner for his try and the bonus point and promotion as champions with a game to spare came when Joe Webb on the wing powered through two tackles to the delight of the considerable travelling support.
Alex Cameron converted two
The maul proved to be the hosts most effective weapon and their man of the match Joe Button at 8 scored before tbe break as Chew Valley conceeded far too many penalties gifting field position. Ben Taylor at centre converted to add to an earlier penalty.
Luke Treneman saw yellow early in the second half for side entry at a ruck and with skipper Alex Cox off on 47 minutes and Carter replaced by Charles Shallcross Chew Valley were under pressure. Shallcross scored a try with an putside break to lift his side and with Sol Thompson on to replace Jonny Eves, suffering from the effects of a late night in Southampton and Richard Light off to be replaced by Jake Rogers the visiting bench was empty and lineout resources stretched. Matthew Blacker was up to the task to secure front ball. Reg Parfitt played variously at prop hooker and back row as coaches Steve Worrall and Bruce Wellman shuffled their resources..Button scored another from close in on 63 minutes converted by Taylor and his hattrick came on 72 minutes as his side chased a try and losing bonus point and a home playoff place.Tom Bryan and Joe Cowell put the icing on the cake with tries. Bryan and Cameron converting.
Uncharted waters for Chew Valley having secured promotion to the highest level in their history in their 50th season
Playing rugby in Devon and Cornwall only previously happened on tour!