CHIPPENHAM will play South West One rugby next season after a dramatic 24-18 play-off victory over Gloucester side Coney Hill.

The Wiltshire side were never behind in the South West Two clash at their own Allington Field ground but still had to endure some nerve-wracking moments before claiming the promotion spot.

Delighted head coach Rob Alford said: "For me, the result was never in doubt.

"This season has been all about youth and this time the mixture of experience and youth saw us through.

"The youngsters stood up to the test and we will be playing South West One next season.''

Chippenham made a flying start, seizing a 10-point lead.

Hill failed to find touch from a penalty and, when they offended following a fine run by wing Ryan Surry, Andy Williamson slotted the resulting penalty.

The Gloucester side roared back but were rocked again as they had a player sin-binned.

The first Chippenham try soon followed as full-back Dave Martin entered the line and touched down, Williamson adding the extras.

Hill finally got on the board with a penalty and proceeded to camp on the Chippenham line.

But again the hosts held out and a chip by skipper Rupert Crockett forced an infringement that Williamson punished with his third successful kick.

Back came the visitors and they were rewarded with their first try, unconverted, to narrow the gap to five points at half-time.

Chippenham had an escape as Hill crossed for what appeared to be their second try, only for the referee to award a penalty for a high tackle on Ben Shuker.

Coney's frustrations grew and they had a second man sent to the sin-bin, Williamson doubling the punishment with another penalty to make it 16-8.

A Hill try kept the home support on tenterhooks though, but Scott Sherratt settled the nerves with his side's second touchdown.

The visitors refused to lie down though and set up a tense finale with their third try of the afternoon to cut the gap to just three points.

With barely five minutes left Williamson slotted another kick but Chippenham spent the dying moments desperately defending their own line before the final whistle confirmed their promotion.