CHIPPENHAM remained on course for the title in South West One East despite an error-strewn display at Reading on Saturday.

Danny Thomas’s side, who are eight points clear at the top of the table with just three matches remaining, squeezed a win in difficult circumstances as they racked up 19 conceded penalties after failing to get to grips with the refereeing interpretations during the match.

The visitors took the game by the scruff of the neck and exercised control but kept getting knocked back by penalties andReading took full advantage to stay in the thick of the contest.

Reading were the first to take the lead with a try, but that proved a wake-up call for the away side.

Chippenham responded but despite it being an exciting match, it was not one of great quality from the visiting perspective, with too many mistakes as they were intent on forcing the ball, instead of being patient and going through the phases.

The loss of Lewis Surry, who was red-carded for retaliation was also a big loss.

Surry’s brother Ryan stepped up to scrum-half and steered his 14-man side home, reinforced by substitutes Whitehead, Horscroft and Barber.

Lewis Surry was among the try scorers, as were Brad Doggett and Andy Rossiter twice, while John Turner and Kolinisau Neli also touched down. Sam Saunders added three conversions.

The victory left Chippenham close to the title, with eight points needed from their last three matches of the campaign. They host Swindon at Greenbridge Road on Saturday and will claim the crown if they win and Towcestrians fail to beat Buckingham.