CHIPPENHAM slipped a place to second bottom as they lost to the promotion-chasers in Bristol.

The match passed a morning pitch inspection and Chippenham were under pressure in the opening stages.

Old Reds forced an infringement at a scrummage and fly-half Ashley Groves’ penalty from 40 metres put the home side ahead.

The lead was doubled as Chippenham again ran into difficulty at the set-piece and Groves made them pay With the hosts on the attack again, Chippenham conceded a third penalty and Groves made no mistake from in front of the posts.

Chippenham continued to defend solidly, but a turnover combined with Reds’ quick passing allowed Christian Gervais space to score the first try of the game, Groves adding the extras for a 16-0 lead.

That stung the visitors into action and they enjoyed a period of pressure, finally getting on the scoreboard in the final action of the first half.

The Reds defence spilled after a long clearance and, when teh ball was hacked on, centre Jon Squire won teh race for the touch down and fly-half Dom Ricco added the conversion.

Early Reds pressure in the second half brought them their second try, a rolling maul from a lineout allowing Jed Hooper to touch down, Groves again adding the two points.

Chippenham battled back and only solid home defence kept them at bay, but turned down kickable penalties to go in search of tries and Old Reds rode out the storm to wrap up victory.

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