A GOOD few years of experience took to the field at the weekend as Old Reds Veterans hosted Chippenham Vets.

For the visitors, it was the first game for their recently re-formed veterans team, and it proved a useful comeback as they ran out narrow winners.

From the kick-off, Old Reds were quickly into their stride and into the game, putting Chippenham under some early pressure.

But Chippenham weathered the storm well and as their forwards started to gain the upper hand and begin to dominate, they were able to release the ball to the waiting backs, who in turn started to look dangerous.

It was the Chippenham forwards, through Kicker Singh, who opened the scoring with a determined drive from a ruck 10 metres out on the right.

Phil Tayler, with a great solo run over half the length of the pitch, got the second try for Chippenham before a grubber kick rebounded off an Old Reds player and they went in for a score.

Not long after this, Joscelyn Barnes finished off the best move of the game.

Some quick ball from the forwards was passed down the line as the backs committed their players leaving a one-on-one situation for the corner. Barnes won the contest with ease.

A final try for Taylor before the half-time break was converted by Barnes and, going into half-time, the visitors were well on top.

The second half saw a comeback from the home side, aided by a couple of substitutions at the break.

This, combined with some complacency from Chippenham, allowed Old Reds to score two tries and add one conversion before Chippenham stemmed the tide with some determined defence.