CHIPPENHAM 1st XV slipped to another league defeat, this time away at Wimborne, and will want to do better against them on Saturday in their Dorset and Wilts Cup semi-final clash.

Neither Chippenham or Wimborne are chasing promotion nor are in danger of relegation.

Chippenham welcomed back Kevin Thornton and Scott Sherrat. Dan Reynolds made his first appearance of the season but the late withdrawal of their influential back row Ian McNerlin due to illness, disrupted their plans.

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

Chippenham had the first chance to get on the score-sheet but James Barnard's long range penalty went wide.

On 30 minutes, the pressure told and Wimborne scored a try out wide.

The home side extended their lead early in the half, with a second try in the corner, and soon after added a third.

A break by Chippenham flanker Rich Kearney almost brought Chippenham back into the game but a last-ditch tackle by Wimborne stopped him in his tracks.

Wimborne sealed the win with a final try in the last few minutes before Chippenham's Grant Trewartha scored a late consolation try.

Chippenham will be concerned by an arm injury picked up by their scrum-half, Tim Dunford, which could rule him out for the rest of the season.

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

Chippenham's 3rd XV faced a strong Cooper Avon 2nd XV but finished up 46-20 winners.

Dave Burrows scored the first try on 10 minutes to get Chippenham off to the perfect start.

Further tries followed as Matt Bowker, captain Nick Burroughs and Chris Mooney all scored.

Avon scored just before the break and added two more scores just after.

Chippenham got back on the scoresheet when Ian Bannister scored and then Williams added his second and then his third try.

Burrows completed the scoring with his second try towards the end.