CHIPPENHAM claimed back-to-back wins for the first time this season as their National Three South West survival prospects received another major boost.

The home side's efforts to get the game played despite the recent bad weather leaving pitch conditions difficult was rewarded as they followed up last week's victory over Avonmouth Old Boys.

They started the game well, the back row of Bobby Lyons, Ian Cook and man of the match Chris Day leading the effort and took the lead when Barnstaple were penalised and Sam Saunders landed a penalty from 25 metres.

Barnstaple went close when Chippenham fly-half Callum McConnell dived in to prevent a score with the visitors over the line but, despite further home attacks, there were no further first-half scores.

Chippenham drove forward strongly at the start of the second period and skipper Cook touched down for the first try after ploughing through a gap in the defence, Saunders adding the conversion.

McConnell extended the advantage with a drop goal before the home side rung the changes, including the arrival of scrum-half Sam Alford for his first game in 18 months.

Barnstaple eventually broke through after a series of attacks, centre Mike Peek diving over. But the conversion was missed and with Alford marshalling the home side, they daw out time.

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