RUGBY: Chippenham 5 Bournemouth 31 (From Wiltshire Times)

RUGBY: Chippenham 5 Bournemouth 31

11:00am Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Sport

UNDERSTRENGTH Chippenham made the National Three South West leaders fight for their victory at Allington Field.

Already missing 12 senior players, the home side’s preparations were hit again when the experienced Rupert Crockett pulled out through illness shortly before kick-off.

But they still held out for 25 minutes of the first half before a penalty try gave Bournemouth the lead, Dan Pollard converting.

As home props prop Jake Meadows and Charlie Newman went to the sin-bin, Pollard kicked a penalty and then converted Dan Connolly’s try for a 17-0 half-time lead.

Chippenham made a positive start to the second period and, on 52 minutes, captain Bobby Lyons went over for a try.

The hosts continued to push on but their inexperience proved costly.

Bournemouth scoring two late converted tries through full-back Karim Lynch and wing Robbie Searle, Pollard converting both.

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