THE early exchanges of this keenly contested match showed that the visitors meant business, with much of the first half being played in the Chippenham half.

However a rare break out by the home side saw a short penalty result in a try under the posts that was converted. Some weak tackling from the combined team allowed Chippenham to extend their lead but a sharp break from under-the-weather centre Scott Simmons was well supported and allowed flanker Graeme Hawke to score after a determined run. At half-time the score was 12-5.

The large Chippenham forwards worked up a head of steam to score again just after half time and then a catalogue of defensive errors allowed the home side to further extend their lead to 22-5.

The crowd were then treated to a 75 metre run from prop Tom Jonik, who had appeared on the wing, only to be brought down just short of the line. Chippenham responded with a good period of pressure that resulted in a further try, leaving the visitors 22 points in arrears.

The combined team never allowed their heads to drop and a quickly taken tap penalty saw a score for captain David Finlay that was converted by Simmons. This was followed by an extraordinary double take as Jonik once again sprinted 75 metres down the touchline but this time squeezed home in the corner for the final try after a breathless match.

There is keen anticipation for the return match, which will hopefully witness the same feast of positive youth rugby.