Chippenham, second place after an impressive run since the turn of the year, were Trowbridge’s visitors in cold and wet conditions. They turned up with a massive pack with the intent to dominate Trowbridge who had improved their performances since the early part of the season when they were in bottom place with no points after five matches. An early line out developed into a rolling maul and a move which looked suspiciously like a ‘truck and trailer’ resulted in second row Sam Larrimore crossing the line, but referee Mark Lenton-Jinks awarded the try. This proved ominous but Trowbridge came back and after a series of phases, prop Jack Davies was able to force his way over to level the scores.

The wild conditions suited the bulky Chippenham pack and they repeated their earlier move when ex Trowbridge No 8 Alafoti Faosiliva scored a second try – but no suspicions this time. This time Jack Smith converted. Both sides tried to play open rugby in the difficult conditions and Olly Shrubb made a telling break which almost resulted in a try, but a goal line drop out was awarded. The half time score was 12-5 to the visitors.

The visitors attacked at the start of the second half and prop Ryan Brown went over for a try, converted by full back Jack Smith. Trowbridge tried to move the ball with their backs as Chippenham slowed down play and they did reduce the deficit to seven points when centre Alex Murchison broke through midway through the half. James Davies converted to keep the hosts in touch. Play was relatively even at this stage, but the conditions worsened as the rain became heavier and Chippenham eventually wore down the Trowbridge team. They defended well until in the last phase of play Chippenham’s immense prop Save Tuimatanisaqa raced over to score a bonus point try. The size of the Chippenham pack were the difference between the sides but Trowbridge defended well but had to bow to the Allington side, but the result was in doubt until the final move.

Next week Trowbridge host champions Matson in their final league match safe in the knowledge that they will be playing at the same level next season, something that could not have been predicted when they stood at the bottom of the table with no league points after five matches in the autumn. Their young side has progressed well in the meantime after recruiting several players over the course of the season. They have a home Bath Combination Cup match with neighbours Devizes on 6th April and await the National Papa John's National Cup draw which takes place next Monday.