MAKING an explosive start, Chippenham were seven points in the lead within three minutes after Gibson sliced through the defence to touch down for a try under the posts which he duly converted.

Though big and physical, Trowbrige's attack was well defended with some excellent tackles particularly from Hillier, Whitehead and Kingsley and it was not long before Chippenham added to their score with tries from Rees, Green and Garty.

Doggett added a conversion before Trowbridge did score a try from a messy scramble on the line just before the interval.

Leading 24-5, Chippenham made wholesale substitutions for the second half, and with the weather deteriorating, the home side seemed to lose a little of their shape and composure.

They did however add tries from Gibson and a fine breakaway try by Day. Gibson converted Day’s try before Trowbridge added five points to their tally, scoring from a five metre scrum.

But it was Gibson again who ran on to an excellent kick from Whitehead to score and convert for the final points of the match.

MORE RUGBY REPORTS, RESULTS & PICTURES IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD