CHIPPENHAM celebrated their 25th anniversary at their Allington Field base in style as they opened their Wadworth 6x South West One East campaign with a 78-7 thrashing of Stratford Upon Avon on Saturday.

Despite having played just one pre-season match against Keynsham and with Stratford arriving in the division from the Midlands section, the home side eased to victory, scoring 12 tries.

Starting the game with pace and clinical execution, their first reward came after seven minutes with a try by Aaron Clarke filling in at loosehead prop, which was converted by Dominic Riccio.

New boy Jacob Unwin them got himself on the scoresheet with the second try before Stratford pounced on a mistake for their converted try.

Led capably by captain Ryan Surry, Chippenham got back to business and further tries were scored in the first half by Riccio, veteran hooker Jon Turner and returning full-back Will Waddington for a 31-7 interval lead.

The second period brought more of the same as Chippenham ran in a further seven scores from Charlie Palmer, two more from Waddington to complete his hat-trick, Unwin, Bradley Doggett and Sam Saunders.