CHIPPENHAM trounced their hosts for the second time this season, condemning them to relegation to the West of England League Avon Division.

Chippenham were given too much time on the ball, with the home side seeming content to defend with 11 players.

The visitors, however, remained patient and created numerous chances before Nigel Stonham opened the scoring after 10 minutes. He finished well off a short corner routine with the final pass coming from Luke Morris.

Shortly afterwards, Chippenham won their second short corner and this time, Stonham returned the favour by setting up Morris to score his first of the afternoon.

Harry Elias added to the score five minutes later with an unstoppable flick into the roof of the net and a clever deflection from Alex Thomas’s shot gave the visitors a comfortable 0-4 lead at the half-time break.

The home side came determined at the start of the second half and attacked with positive intent.

But the Chippenham back four, which has been in fine form all season, proved difficult to break down.

Scott Trainor slotted home goal number five from close range, number six came from Ben Jones after a strong run from Elias down the left. His reverse pass was not gathered cleanly by the goalkeeper, giving Jones a simple tap in.

Morris then scored the goal of the day. Beating three defenders, he rounded the approaching goalkeeper and produced a diving reverse stick shot from a tight angle.

Trainor was again on target for goal number eight after being set-up by Thomas and Jones grabbed his second with a sharp reverse stick strike.

Gryphons then scored a consolation goal from a short corner, after their intital flick was well saved by Chippenham goalkeeper Howard Simons.

But Trainor completed his hat-trick and bring up the double figures.

Chippenham host Bath Buccs on Saturday, the winner being assured of fourth place.

MORE HOCKEY IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD