STARTING the match in difficult weather conditions, Chippenham 2nds were immediately put under intense pressure from the home pack who strung several phases of play together to almost cross the line in the opening minutes.

Some desperate defence by Chippenham however, kept the Hornets from scoring.

After 10 minutes a mistake by the Hornets backs allowed turnover ball and the Chippenham scrum-half Ryan Surry to travel 60 metres unopposed before passing to Jay Whittaker who went over the line to score under the posts.

Fly-half Dan Reynolds converted to give Chippenham a surprise early lead.

Most of the rest of the half was contested in the middle third of the pitch. Both teams struggling to gain advantage. Shortly before half-time, the ball was spread wide to the Hornets left wing. He broke through two tackles to score in the corner. This gave a 5-7 lead to the visitors at the break.

The second half was littered with Chippenham penalties. Hornets enjoyed long periods camped in the Chippenham 22 and after 15 mins, the Chippenham hooker Paul Baker was sin-binned for dangerous play

With Chippenham down a man, Hornets took advantage. The ball went blind from a five metre scrum and the Hornets left wing crossed for his second try of the game.

With the score at 10-7 to Hornets, Reynolds levelled the scores with a drop goal from 30 metres out. Minutes later they scored a try from a long rolling maul. Hornets had a five point lead going into the last ten minutes.

A successful penalty kick extended Hornets lead beyond Chippenham's reach and the game finished 18-10 in the home side's favour.