CHIPPENHAM saw chances slip through their fingers as Swanage & Wareham inflicted a second home league defeat of the season on them, 20-19.

Forced to make several late changes, Chippenham launched a brave fightback from 13-3 down, but Swans hung on for victory.

But Chippenham boss Robbie Spiers admitted: "It was a very disappointing result for us we created the chances but we just didn't take them.

"But it was a great effort from the team, they were well motivated and played well.''

Coach Matt Sheppard was forced to make several changes, the back row being changed with John Gibbon and Richard Kearney as flankers and Darren McMillan at No 8.

An early penalty, kicked by James Barnard, gave Chippenham an encouraging start.

But Swans hit back with an equalising penalty and then kicked another to give them a 6-3 lead.

The visitors then scored a quite remarkable try.

Spiers explained: "The ball was kicked into space by the full-back, bounced awkwardly, hit a Chippenham knee and rebounded into the path of a Swans player, who crossed the line to score.

"It was one of the luckiest tries I have seen.''

The conversion was kicked and the Swans led 13-3.

But Chippenham regrouped and came back with a brilliant try from Grant Trewartha, converted by Barnard to trail by just three at half-time.

Another Barnard penalty levelled the scores, but a converted try took the Swans ahead once more.

Chippenham had chances, but two further Barnard penalties were not enough.