CHIPPENHAM gave departing coach Pete Beazer the perfect send off at the Recreation Ground on Thursday evening with a 39-10 demolition of Walcot to take the Bath Combination Cup across the county border to Wiltshire for the first time.

Beazer, who is stepping down at the end of the season, had seen his players narrowly miss out on promotion to South West One just five days previously after defeat at the hands of Berry Hill in a promotion play-off match.

But there were few signs of a hangover from that disappointment as Chippenham, playing their third game in six days, seized the initiative with two early tries.

Centre Rupert Crockett rocked Walcot in the 12th minute with the opening try after he sparked a break from the half-way line, crossing the line just left of the posts. Full-back James Barnard, who finished the night with four conversions and two penalty goals, kicked the conversion to give Chippenham an early seven-point lead.

Crockett then sent skipper Scott Sherratt away for a second converted try seven minutes later, leaving holders Walcot with a mountain to climb.

Chalky Wardle touched down in the corner to give Walcot hope going into the break, but Barnard extended Chippenham' lead with a penalty goal two minutes into the second half.

Winger Dave Ayres again pegged Chippenham back on 50 minutes, before another Barnard penalty and a converted try from Grant Trewartha to give Beazer's side a comfortable advantage.

Two spectacular tries in nine minutes from flying winger Joscelyn Barnes wrapped up the victory, much to the delight of the Chippenham contingent in the 1,000-strong Rec crowd.

Chippenham celebrated their cup triumph and highest-ever league placing at their annual club dinner and presentation evening on Friday night.

More than 300 guests and members attended, with entertainment provided by ex-Bath, England and British Lions prop Gareth Chilcott. Former Bath and England coach Jack Rowell also attended,

Flanker Ian McNerlin took the prize for first XV player of the year, while the most improved player award went to lock Neil Watkins.

Nick Fitzwater and James Cook were named as the second and third team players of the year respectively, Pete Gingell won the young clubman of the year award, and Steve Whitehead took the clubman of the year award.

Four of the club's junior players have also received international call-ups during the season. Will Waldron gained the red jersey of Wales at under 16 level, with Lawrence Ovens representing England in the same age group. Simon Whatling and Mitchell Burton were awarded England shirts at under 18 level.

Club chairman John Runacres is delighted with the strides made this term.

He said: "The club has transformed over the last ten years having moved up from Southern Counties to the South West Division.

"The future for Chippenham RFC has never looked brighter, with terrific strength in the club coaches, a committed squad of senior players and talent from the Junior squads."