Rugby: Chippenham lifted the Bath Comination Cup on Wednesday night after a dominant second-half display from their forwards strangled Trowbridge’s aims to play their natural flowing game.

Trowbridge held a narrow lead at half-time in the final at Bath’s Recreation Ground that owed much to the counter-attacking of their backs and the taking of limited opportunities.

But in the second period the South West Division Two side’s efforts were more restricted and they were left to defend for their lives as Chippenham – who finished bottom of South West One this season – piled forward to secure the win.

Chippenham had the edge territorially in the first half and James Dazeley went over in the corner after 20 minutes, with Karl Brant converting the try.

Trowbridge No 8 Shane Johnstone was sin-binned soon afterwards but the 14 men levelled the scores when Chris McLeod made a break from his own half and set up Nicky Little to touch down, with Lloyd Davis adding the conversion.

Chippenham responded with a second try from Sean Lilley but on the stroke of half-time another move down the right resulted in Francis Chandler speeding past the Chippenham defence. He handed off the last tackler and squeezed over in the corner.

Davis converted with a good kick and the interval score was 14-12 in Trowbridge’s favour.

As the second half progressed the Chippenham forwards controlled possession more and flanker Nick Doyle was outstanding.

They were especially effective in the line-outs.

Brant kicked a penalty on the hour to regain the lead for Chippenham after a couple of missed chances, but it was not until the closing minutes that the match was put beyond doubt.

Replacement prop Rob Faulkner forced his way over after a long period of pressure from the forwards of the North Wilts side.

Brant’s conversion hit the post before going over and Trowbridge were left needing to score twice.

The score was a fair reflection of the match but Trowbridge can take heart from this performance which was far better than when they last played in the final in 2003.