YOUTH RUGBY: WITH their respective age group opponents failing to turn up Chippenham took on a younger Cirencester opposition.

The teams were certainly game for a match and it was lively from the start.

Chippenham though were slow at first and this allowed Cirencester to open the scoring with a converted try.

But Chippenham did not take long to warm up and began to carve their way through the Cirencester defence.

James Steer opened Chippenham's account by scoring his first try for Chippenham.

Edwain Dalby braved the strong wind to attempt the conversion but it fell short of the posts.

Chippenham's next try came from a set piece on the halfway line when the ball was passed to centre Chris Rookley.

He went on to break two good tackles and go over to score. This time the wind subsided long enough to give Edwin his conversion which went straight through the middle of the posts.

Cirencester U9s 6

Chippenham U9s 0

Both the Thrashers and Sharks travelled to Cirencester to play in this fixture.

The first game out was The Thrashers v Cirencester A which ended up very much in favour of the home side.

Cirencester started and finished the stronger team outplaying the Thrashers in handling, passing and tackling.

The Thrashers were unable to find any shape or form.

Cirencester B 0

Chippenham Sharks 25

THE second game of the double header was better for Chippenham with the Sharks fielding a strong team.

Nick McKenzie outpaced all of the Cirencester team to score his first of two tries.

Cirencester put up some good defensive lines but Jame Aitkin gained possession, passing to Tom North who sprinted for the line.

From a pass-off, William Waddinton passed to Daniel Vertessy who brushed past three waiting defenders to score in the corner.

Then Nick McKenzie and Tom North finished off the game with another try apiece.

Cirencester B 0

Chippenham Thrashers 20

THE next game saw Cirencester B play the Thrashers and by now the Thrashers were hungry for a win.

Hugh Campbell passed to George Burtenshaw who powered his way past three defenders.

Although going to ground, he laid the ball back for Hugh Campbell to pass to Tom Trotter who scored his debut try for the team.

Tom added another to his tally with further tries from Rowan Kleynhamns and Calum McClain.

Cirencester A 5

Chippenham Sharks 10

THE last game for this particular age group saw Cirencester hungry for a win.

A close game ensued but the result went Chippenham's way. A set move saw Jamie Atkins draw four defenders setting up Nick McKenzie to force his way through to score.

Cirencester hit back with a try but another set move set up William Waddington to score in the corner and the rest of the game saw the Sharks dominate, putting sustained pressure on Cirencester.

The last score of the game went to Nick McKenzie to score his second try.

Cirencester U7s 7

Chippenham Eagles 10

Chippenham's Under-7 squad fielded two teams at Cirencester on Sunday on a bright but blustery day.

The Eagles went a try down almost immediately but this served to be a wake up call for them and they then galvanised into action.

Turning the ball over with some good defensive lay and some swift tackling led to three consecutive tries from the visitors in response.

Cirencester tried to get back into the game but at half-time Chippenham were ahead 3-6.

In the second half, there were few turnovers and few scoring opportunities for both sides but the play was spirited and both teams fought hard.

Cirencester U7s 6

Chippenham Eagles 7

THE second game between the two teams was more evenly matched leading to a very competitive and exciting game.

Some good handling and tackling were displayed from both sets of players. The Eagles scored first and then tries went with the passage of play until just before half-time.

Cirencester ran in two consecutive tries to give them a 3-2 lead at the break.

In the second half Chippenham showed great character to fight back immediately and respond with two tries themselves to take the lead.

They then had to defend relentless pressure from Cirencester leaving them little room to run with the ball.

The game looked like it would end in a draw until Chippenham's Toby Williams ran along the right wing to score the match winning try in the corner seconds before the final whistle.