CHIPPENHAM U14s travelled the short distance to face local rivals Corsham in abysmal conditions of driving rain, a biting wind and a stodgy pitch.

Corsham started the strongest. Playing with the wind they handled the conditions better than Chippenham and poor rucking and handling skills from Chippenham helped to give Corsham the upperhand and the home side scored a well-worked try after 10 minutes. Battling bravely, Chippenham were finding it hard to contain the home side and a further try from Corsham followed which was successfully converted.

Shortly afterwards however, and against the run of play, Chippenham made an unexpected break and Rees touched down to narrow the gap just before half-time to 12-5.

In the second period, Chippenham had the wind and looked a different team.

Running at the home side and, with a few creative moves, their confidence grew and they began to play more assured rugby.

The poor handling skills disappeared and Corsham found themselves on the back foot.

However, against the run of play Corsham managed to break from deep in their own half with a fine individual run, helped by poor Chippenham tackling, and they touched down to bring their tally to 17 points.

Unfazed, Chippenham did not give up and Garty scored a terrific try which was converted by Whitehead.

The final 10 minutes were largely controlled by Chippenham who battled hard and had a few opportunities to score.