CHIPPENHAM simply blew Trowbidge away in the Bath Combination Cup quarter-final with a powerful performance.

They went into the game at Allington Field on Saturday knowing that this was a big match. It was a repeat of last year's final which saw Chippenham win the cup for the second year running in an exciting match played at The Rec.

Trowbridge came expecting to push Chippenham around physically but the forwards did not allow this to happen and kept control for much of the game. Chippenham's first of fifteen tries came in the first few minutes. Scrum-half Tim Dunford got clean ball and ignited the backs.

The ball was handed by all the backs and finished well in the corner by returning winger Gary Champion.

From the ensuring restart, a mistake by Chippenham lock Kevin Thornton, who otherwise had an outstanding game, gave Trowbridge a penalty which was kicked to make the score 5-3.

This was the closest Trowbridge came to Chippenham for the remainder of the game.

Further tries came courtesy of McMillan, Spurway and Thornton with two conversions kicked by full-back David Spiers.

These scores were interspersed with a further penalty and try from the Trowbridge full-back. This gave the home side a commanding 29-11 lead at the break.

In the second half, Chippenham's back division cut loose and Trowbridge could only sit back and watch despite putting up some spirited opposition throughout the game.

Another McMillan try, followed by scores from Schutte, Trewartha, Spurway and from substitutes James Barnard and Whiteman added to the incredible half of five tries skipper Rupert Crockett.

Chippenham now face Walcott in the semi-final. The venue and date is yet to be confirmed.

Team manager Robbie Spiers said: "This result however spectacular has only put us one step closer to the final. We will have to be our best to take the next step to the final.''

Trowbridge 2nd 22 Chippenham 3rd 0

TROWBRIDGE attacked strongly from the first whistle and the visitors found themselves under heavy pressure.

With the Easter break forcing several changes to the Chippenham line up, their defence took some time to settle into a rhythm and get organised.

The pressure from the home side finally took it's toll and proved too much for Chippenham and Trowbridge scored two tries in quick succession.

Chippenham's defence improved as the game went on but they struggled to gain clear possession and continued to find themselves on the defensive for the remainder of the first half. Trowbridge were able to increase their advantage by scoring a third try right on the stroke of half-time.

After the break Chippenham were able to take the attack to Trowbridge. This resulted in the majority of the half being played in Trowbridge territory. But the Trowbridge defence remained solid.

With Chippenham committing all their players into attack, a breakaway try from the home side in the final minutes sealed a well deserved victory for Trowbridge.