CHIPPENHAM followed last week's triumph in the Bristol Combination Plate final by beating Salisbury to reach the semi-final of the Wiltshire Cup.

From the start, both teams proved to be tough, physical and aggressive.

Chippenham kept Salisbury in their own half for much of the time, and the bruising attacks eventually paid off with the only try of the match from winger Oli Phips, who ran in a try under the posts which was converted, despite the windy conditions, by centre Luke Gorman.

Chippenham maintained the pressure on Salisbury in the second half but were kept out by resilient defending from Salisbury.

With just a couple of minutes left, Salisbury nearly snatched a late try.

They ran the ball half-way down the field but were stopped by a try-saving tackle from Chippenham.

Chippenham under 15s 8, Sherborne under 15s 7

PLAYING on a very sticky pitch and with a slippery rugby ball, Chippenham survived a tight and hard-fought match against last year's Dorset and Wilts Cup winners.

The home side took an early lead through fly-half Emery who slotted over a wind-assisted 40m penalty. The match then settled into a forward duel with the backs tending to go for the crash ball, bringing play back to the forwards.

Midway through the first half, a Sherborne flanker was penalised for abusing the referee and was then shown a red card when he persisted. The 14 remaining Sherborne players put up a good fight and attacked down the left flank just before half-time .

Chippenham full back Smith stopped the move on the try-line but Sherborne were awarded a penalty which they took quickly, scoring near the posts. The conversion gave Sherborne with a 3-7 lead.

In the second half, Chippenham were playing into a strong wind and were unable to make the extra man count. Crash balls continued to be the preferred option instead of moving the ball to the wings which might have been a more successful tactic.

Sherborne crossed the try-line on a number of occasions but the scores did not count due to players putting their feet in touch and the ball not being grounded.

Three minutes before the final whistle, Chippenham flanker James Sloan picked up the ball which had been dropped behind the backs. He charged down the touchline and swerved past the full back for the winning try.