This was always going to be a tough encounter for Chinnor against a resurgent and well drilled Chippenham outfit. Two enforced changes in the Chinnor side, both influential players in the shape of Paul Hennessy with influenza and Eric Brown, work commitments saw Raakai Maxwell come in at No.8 and Ali Reekie take the wing spot.

Chippenham were first on the score sheet in the 3rd. minute when Rupert Crockett broke from open play to put winger Darren McMillan in at the corner. A finely struck penalty into the wind from James Hewitt reduced the arrears for the home side before Rewi Tolich rounded off a sweeping Chinnor move to score wide out. With Karl Brant converting a penalty for Chippenham on the stroke of half-time, the scores were level at the break.

It was very much nip and tuck for the first 20 minutes in the second half with much of the play taking place between the respective 22 metre lines. The introduction of Jamie Hiscock broke the deadlock in the 60th minute when he took a pass from Sam Soane, which was his first touch of the ball, to sprint 30 metres and score wide out. With Hewitt adding the extra points with a fine touchline conversion, there was now daylight between the sides and with Buckley scoring when he supported another move along the threes, Chinnor were 12 points ahead. A further individual try from Matt Buckley and one from debutant Rod Mahe, both converted by Hewitt completed the scoring.

This was a much needed win for Chinnor following the disappointment of their cup exit last Sunday. It took them time to shake off the blues of this defeat but the last 20 minutes showed glimpses of what they are capable. With James Hewitt striking the ball well, Simon Matthews showing there is life in the old dog yet with some sound scrummaging and Matt Hutchins back from a long lay-off then Chinnor can look forward to their last 7 games, all which need to be won, with optimism