South West One

Chippenham team manager Andy Fielding said it was a point gained following their draw against in-form Old Patesians, but felt it could have been even more.

The visitors had won their last three games prior to the match including a 26 point destruction of fourth-placed Bracknell.

It looked like being victory number four when they lead 25-18 with five minutes to go until Rupert Crockett used his brute force to power over the line and equalise.

“There was some debate in the dressing room about if we had missed out on a win, but I feel it was a point gained,” said Fielding.

“We weren’t at our best but to get a draw against a good team is testament to our spirit, commitment and the hard work that is being put it during training.”

Chippenham, who welcomed back player coach Hentie Martens into the side, had to shuffle their pack early on when Nick Doyle was stamped on and had to leave the game to receive seven stitches in his hand.

James Gaiger scored a first half try and the home side led 13-11 at the break.

Old Patesians responded straight after the restart but the experienced Adrian Price scored a try to keep his side in the game, before Crockett’s late cameo ensured a share of the spoils.

Chippenham travel to Swanage & Wareham this Saturday in the first round of the Dorset & Wilts Cup.