CHIPPENHAM Under 14s are the Bristol Combination Cup champions again after an emphatic 27-7 victory over Cleve in the final at St Mary's Old Boys RFC.

And they had to overcome the handicap of playing with only 14 players for all but 10 minutes to retain the trophy.

In a pulsating match, Chippenham spurned an early try scoring opportunity and then had prop Simon Livesey sent off for foul play.

But centre Tom Boreham waltzed his way through the Cleve defence to touch down and slotted over a penalty to give them a 8-0 lead.

Cleve hit back with a converted try and another score put them 14-8 in front.

From then on, Chippenham lifted their game and flanker Andrew Bailey rounded off a flowing movement and winger Matt Tatara scored another try.

Centre Callum Fannin flew through the Cleve defence to touch down under the posts.

Boreham converted two of these tries, but to their credit Cleve refused to give up and scored a consolation try at the death after a clearing kick was charged down.

Chippenham coach Jerry Field said: "This performance ranks alongside anything I have seen in junior rugby.

"To go behind early in the second half and be a man down but still have the character to come back as the boys did was simply incredible. "Their dogged refusal to lie down allied to excess of ability and teamwork is what makes this squad special winners.''