CHIPPENHAM gave their hopes of winning the Central 1 title a big boost by beating fellow high-flyers Marlborough 4-3 at home.

The hosts made a stunning start, opening the scoring after just 48 seconds with Mark Knight rounding the Marlborough keeper and firing in from what seemed an impossible angle.

Chippenham continued to show why they lead the way at the top, playing stylish hockey that created chance after chance and the second goal came as Nick Middleton pounced on a loose ball at a short corner.

Middleton then made it 3-0 from a penalty stroke awarded after the ball was blocked by a Marlborough defender’s body and Knight swiftly netted his second goal too.

With Chippenham pressing forward, the Marlborough defence scrambled a ball away and managed to sneak a goal on the break.

The visitors grew in confidence and the final goal of a tempestuous first-half was a Marlborough effort poked home at close range to make it 4-2.

The second half became a more cagey affair as Marlborough sought to close the gap and it was the visitors who scored next.

That set up a tense, exciting finish that saw plenty of chances but Chippenham keeper Harry Wells pulled off several saves to keep out Marlborough’s best efforts as the home side hung on.

Away at Bath Buccs F, Chippenham A dominated to win 7-2 and stay second in East Central 1 thanks to a Harry Elias hat-trick. The other scorers were Charlie Bizley (2), Andy Edwards and Nigel Stonham.

In East Central 2, Chippenham C hosted Swindon B and went down 2-1. Neil Stewart pulled a goal back after an early Swindon double.

Chippenham D came up against an in-form Shepton Mallet B side, who took their chances well and went in 7-0 up at half-time. In the second half, Chippenham youngsters Ben Shardlow, Owen Baldwin, Harry Stanley and Will Thomsett never gave up and conceded just one more goal before the final whistle.

Corsham were outclassed by East Central 1 leaders Bath Buccs E as they were handed a 12-0 drubbing at home.

Corsham were hard to break down, initially, and there were some solid performances from the back four.

A number of Buccs’ skilful individuals did manage to unlock the defence, but Corsham worked hard and a number of times stretched the visitors with slick passing and swift counter attacking.

In the second half, Corsham were better organised and used the width to create a number of opportunities, although none were converted.

Corsham ladies 1st XV maintained their unbeaten start to 2016 in Wessex Division 1 with a 3-0 home win over Team Bath Buccs 5.

The home side started strongly with wave after wave of attack but the Buccs defence stood strong to repel the pressure.

The breakthrough came when Vickie Hathway fired in from an excellent cross. Corsham then added a second before the break when Mel Bessell was first to react in front of goal after a scrappy clearance.

Corsham enjoyed the bulk of possession in the second half and created plenty of chances but were unable to extend their lead. A third goal eventually did come through Katherine Robinson to complete a deserved victory.

Things were not so straightforward for Corsham 2nds as they went down 7-1 at home to Wessex Division 2 leaders RoyalWootton Bassett 2nds.

Bassett were first to score but this was quickly cancelled out by Corsham’s Carol Johnson.

The team played well, making good accurate passes and keeping as much play up the Bassett end but this did not translate into any further goals as the visitors ran away with the win.