CHIPPENHAM eked out a potentially crucial victory to boost their hopes of survival in National Three South West.

The visitors opened their account around the half-hour mark as Tom Knight crashed over the whitewash from close range after Avonmouth’s Phil Dickinson was shown a yellow card for preventing a quick penalty.

The hosts were caught offside on the stroke of half-time, allowing Sam Saunders to land a penalty and put Thomas’ men 8-0 up.

Avonmouth roared back in the second period, and almost pulled back a try when Andy Taylor looked to have made it over the line but the referee was unconvinced and the home side were denied the score.

But ten minutes from time, the deficit was reduced to a whisker as a Harry Hone try was converted by Eamonn Rees but Chippenham held on to claim a vital win.

REACTION TO CHIPPENHAM VICTORY IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD