SOUTH WEST TWO EAST: CHIPPENHAM slipped to another league defeat with a disappointing performance away at Wimborne in a game which was seen as a warm-up to this coming weekend's Dorset and Wilts cup semi-final clash.

Neither Chippenham or Wimborne are sides threatening promotion nor are either of them in danger of relegation and this near end of season game was a muted affair.

Chippenham welcomed the return of Kevin Thornton and Scott Sherrat back from long term injuries and Dan Reynolds made his first appearance of the season after a period of working abroad.

But the late withdrawal of their influential back row Ian McNerlin due to illness disrupted coach Matt Sheppard's plans for the starting line-up.

Chippenham were put under the cosh right from the opening minutes as Wimborne's heavier pack tested the visitors' defence.

But for all the pressure put on Chippenham, it was the visitors who had the first scoring opportunity.

A penalty was awarded with James Barnard's long range attempt going wide of the posts.

After 30 minutes, the pressure told on Chippenham and Wimborne scored a try out wide to take a 5-0 lead going into the half-time break.

The second half followed a similar vein as the first as Wimborne enjoyed the majority of possession and territorial advantage.

Chippenham occasionally looked threatening but with the three-quarter line having a particularly bad day, the chances created were not converted into points.

Wimborne further extended their lead early in the half, with a second try in the corner and followed this up minutes later.

A strange decision by Chippenham to run the ball out from deep inside their own half, saw it turned over for a simple try.

A break by Chippenham flanker Rich Kearney almost brought Chippenham back into the game but last ditch defence by Wimborne stifled the danger. Wimborne then applied the pressure close to the Chippenham line and then sealed the win for the home side with a try by their second row who drove through Trevor Lloyd's attempted tackle to score.

A late consolidation try by Chippenham's Grant Trewartha after a good break by Reynolds was all the Wiltshire side could offer.

This weekend's rematch in the cup against Wimborne will force a reshuffle in the back line and will provide yet another selection headache for coach Matt Sheppard.

He will have some key players back from injury for this weekend's cup rematch and will be spoilt for choice. This will make a welcome change for the club's selectors who have been hampered by a lengthy injury list for most of this current season.