CHIPPENHAM left it late to seal the win in this typically hard fought local derby.

Chippenham started the match strongly and soon took the lead with a well executed backs move, which put full back Ian Bannister through to score. Alun Jones added the conversion.

This promising start soon faltered though as the game became progressively more scrappy. While the home side held the upper hand, some outstanding defensive work from the visitors frustrated their efforts and, as the half wore on Bassett gradually began to threaten the Chippenham line.

The visitors finally gained reward for some concerted pressure when their full back held off several tacklers to cross the line just before half time.

The home side began the second half with some good passages of play, but a defensive mix-up allowed Bassett to take the lead. This setback ensured that Chippenham revitalised their efforts, but the visitors' defence continued to prove resilient. Just as it looked as though Chippenham's pressure may go unrewarded, Alun Jones found a gap to dive over for Chippenham's second try to seal a hard fought victory.