This encounter between traditional rivals was the deciding game between the two remaining unbeaten sides in this year's county cup competition, and as champions, Chippenham were also defending their five year unbeaten run in the competition.

It was the first time a Chippenham team had visited Devizes for many years, and this squad bristling with county players and led by Bath academy scrum half Lee Audis, were pushed all the way by a focused and committed Saddleback outfit on Sunday.

While the set pieces were even, the Devizes forwards won the initial ruck and maul battle with greater speed and intensity at the breakdown.

Tom Cary, the Devizes man of the match was outstanding in his harrying of the Chippenham half backs, along with the rest of the back row.

Mid-way through the first half, Devizes capitalised on a lack of cohesion from the Chippenham backs, and Toby Ulm scooped up the loose ball and streaked away from the halfway line and touch down in the corner and open the scoring.

Chippenham responded by pressurising the Devizes try line but Audis missed two very kickable penalty goal attempts and the home side took their lead into the break.

A clever kick behind the Chippenham backs in the second half again put the visitors under pressure but classy Chippenham full back Matt Whitehead turned defence into attack and scythed through the advancing Devizes team and the scores were level.

Chippenham's forwards began to take control in the set pieces and continued pressure in the Devizes half saw Chippenham flanker Nick Stuart, who was earlier yellow carded for a professional foul, run in his team's second try.

A speculative drop goal from fly-half Richard Taylor from 40 metres was then awarded to the visitors, despite the ball appearing to fall under the bar.

But Chippenham put the issue beyond doubt with two further tries after Saddleback Guy Perrett was also carded for a late hit on Audis.

The cup champions scored their third from a pick and drive ruck play, Bobby Lyons going over.

Whitehead made the contest safely Chippenham's with his second of the day, his turn of speed too much for the valiant Devizes defence after a flowing backline move had released him 30 metres out.

Devizes head coach Andy Smith said it was an excellent fixture and the Devizes side can be proud of their performance.

"We have never been able to beat Chippenham in this age group, and they haven't lost in four years.

"The Devizes players did all that was asked of them and despite the final score will have felt much happier with their performance than the visitors."