SANTA Claus did not call early at Allington Field on Saturday as Chippenham team lost their unbeaten record to Marlow.

This was the second meeting between the two in less than a month - Chippenham were the winners on the previous occasion.

The match was played in very poor playing conditions, with driving rain and wind and bitter cold.

But despite that Chippenham began the game in a positive manner. They dominted the scrummages and looked dangerous on the outside.

Unfortunately some poor decision making within the team, stopped the home side scoring from the numerous opportunities they created.

David Spiers made a good break, running up the left wing, closely supported by Matt Spurway. The move was halted 15 metres out from the Marlow try line and this was to prove the pattern for the rest of the game.

Chippenham won a penalty from the resulting lineout and choose to kick for goal rather than run the ball. The conversion was missed, letting Marlow off the hook.

Chippenham then went off the boil in the second quarter of the half and Marlow took advantage and got back into the game. They capitilised on a Chippenham offside in front of the posts and kicked the conversion to give them a three points lead 30 mins into the half and going into the half-time break.

Some words from the Chippenham coaching team at half-time saw the team come out for the second half firing on all cylinders.

Chippenham spent most of the second half, camped in Marlow territority. But despite threatening the Marlow line on several occasions, Chippenham failed to turn pressure into points.

The Marlow first half penalty was the only score of the game, giving them the points and ending Chippenham's unbeaten run.

Coach Rob Alford said afterwards; "In very wet conditions, some naivety and poor decisions allowed Marlow to reverse our win earlier in the season. But it was an exciting game leading into the Christmas break.''

Chippenham U18s 44

Dorchester U18s 5

DESPITE only having 13 players, Dorchester still turned up to fulfill the fixture.

After they borrowed a couple of players from Chippenham the game went ahead.

Chippenham took control from the start, Winger Craig Hurcombe forced his way through to score within three minutes. The conversion was added by Gareth Wiltshire.

Dorchester were not allowed to settle into any kind of rhythm and were caught offside. Wiltshire put the ball deep into the corner and from the lineout, a catch and drive saw loosehead prop Simon Drage go over for the score.

Dorchester then seemed to wake up. Strong running from their forwards into the Chippenham half met up with some strong, disciplined defence from the home side.

Chippenham's third try came after they stole the ball from a lineout. Stuart Gunn going over after some great support play from Harry Rai and the forwards.

Chippenham then enjoyed a purple patch. After some quick ball, centre Andy Flower went over to score with a quite superb touchline conversion by Gareth Wiltshire.

Another penalty kick deep into the Dorchester half, saw Simon Drage produce more of the same.

Dorchester came back again and an intercepted pass allowed their centre to run in under the posts, the conversion was missed.

Chippenham then squandered numerous chances due to poor control but they had a comfortable lead at half-time.

From the start of the second half a strong period of driving play saw Chippenham's backline creating chances out wide. A strong sprint to the corner by winger Pete McLerren gave him an unconverted try.

The last five minutes saw Chippenham return to controlling the game. A hasty clearance from Dorchester, resulted in an unconverted try for winger Matt Maymont.

The final score of the game came from centre Chris Beachem.

Coach Jerry Garraway said; 'We break now for Christmas but wwe have a busy schedule in the New Year. Their next fixture is a tough one against Swanage and Wareham at home on January 4 .''