CHIPPENHAM continue to set the pace at the the top of the South West One East table after earning Wiltshire bragging rights with victory at London Road on Saturday.

The Allington Field side have dropped just one point out of a possible 30 in their six games to date as they aim to bounce straight back into the National League next season.

The visitors came out firing on all cylinders as the Saddlebacks struggled to get into the game early on and Chippenham opened the scoring when a well-worked move found Bobby Lyons out wide for the opening try, Sam Saunders missing the conversion.

Devizes were causing their rivals’ defence problems, but they lost wing Jorge Wadman to the sin-bin for ten minutes and Chippenham took advantage, backs and forwards linking for flanker John Turner to touch down.

Two further penalties from the boot of Saunders put Chippenham into a commanding 19-0 lead after 35 minutes.

Devizes then had their best period of the first half with some hard ball carrying from ex-Chippenham player James Gaiger amongst others getting them on the front foot.

That set up a first try of the season for number eight Craig Bryant, Rory Brown converting.

But in the final minute of the first half, Chippenham full back Chris Crome scored a converted try to put Chippenham into a 26-7 lead.

Devizes were the better side in the second half and Wadman bagged a brace of tries, firstly sprinting over after positive play by backs and forwards.

Brown converted and did so when Wadman got in on the left wing for a second.

Chippenham though added to their tally as a rumble from the pack allowed Nicholas Aston to go over.

With the game finally poised, Devizes were unable to find the score that would really get them back in the game and the visitors edged downfield for second row Chris Day to wrap up their victory.

Devizes first-team boss Stuart Hadden said: “I've told the lads that on the day and if things click for us we can beat anyone.

“We gave Chippenham far too much respect and our backs, with Rory Brown as man of the match, were better than theirs.

“We travel to Witney on Saturday with more confidence and our backs looking for more ball to play with.”

KYLE Marsh scored a try and Grant Angell kicked two penalties in Devizes 2nd’s 49-11 defeat to Combe Down in Dorset & Wilts One North