Chippenham booked their place in the second team cup final with this hard fought semi-final away win on Saturday.

The travelling side started the stronger with flanker flanker Dan Shuker receiving the ball on the blind side of a ruck from scrum half, Tim Dunford and he virtually ran in unopposed for the first score of the game. Fly-half Trevor Lloyd converted the try and Chippenham further increased their lead shortly afterwards as inside centre Matt Spurway took a pop ball from Lloyd.

He burst through the waiting Salisbury defence to score under the posts.

Salisbury replied with a penalty following an infringement at a ruck, but Lloyd rounded off a very successful first half by scoring a well taken drop goal to restore the 14 point margin and his side went into the half-time break with a comfortable 3 -17 lead.

The second half degenerated and became increasingly bad tempered as Salisbury fought desperately to break down a resolute Chippenham defence.

After 60 minutes a ball was spilled from a Chippenham line-out and Salisbury were able to capitalise, going over the try line in the corner. The conversion was missed but the try reduced Chippenham's lead to 8-17.

Both sides then enjoyed periods of pressure in the remaining minute but some stern defence and frequent blasts of the referee's whistle prevented the score from changing.

Commenting on the win afterwards, Chippenham's second team captain Dave Williams said: "This was a very tough game and the self belief shown by the lads was what earned us our place in the final.

"Our opponents have yet to be decided but I feel that with this group of players, we have the potential to go all the way and lift the trophy this season."

Avon 2nd 26, Chippenham 3rd 5

CHIPPENHAM'S third team began their New Year with this heavy defeat.

Chippenham's try was the only score in the first half. In a move started in their own half, Andy Williamson received the ball off the back of the scrum and chipped over the oncoming Avon defence. Justin Knight picked up the ball and ran down the wing, finally passing the ball to the waiting team skipper, Ian Bannister who made the final run to the line to score.

Avon took their opportunities in the second half, running in four tries to all but sink Chippenham's title hopes.