CHIPPENHAM Rugby Club will make history tomorrow when they entertain Clevedon in the EDF National Trophy.

The southern section first round clash at Allington Field will mark the first time Chippenham have ever competed in a national senior cup competition.

Chippenham qualified for the Trophy after reaching the final of the Dorset and Wilts Cup earlier this year, which they lost 12-8 to Swanage and Wareham.

Head coach Rob Alford is confident his side can progress in the competition, but only if they rediscover the scoring touch.

He said: "Confidence is a big issue at the moment because we've lost our last three league games on the trot.

"We've been creating plenty of opportunities but I think some of my players have forgotten how to score.

"I'm sure once we get one try there will be no stopping us. Hopefully we can get it right on Saturday."

Alford says Chippenham could not have wished for a better first round draw, having beaten Clevedon four times in the last 12 months.

The north Wiltshire outfit triumphed 31-10 when the sides last met in Somerset and Alford is hoping for a repeat performance tomorrow.

He said: "If I'm honest this is a match I'm expecting us to win. I hope we can play with a bit more freedom because we don't have the pressure of two league points hanging over us.

"Clevedon have been struggling in the league this season, but after a good start we have also struggled.

"Both teams know each other well so there won't be too many surprises when the game kicks off.

"They are a good scrummaging outfit so if we can match them up front we stand a very good chance."

Chippenham have attracted crowds of between 400 and 500 for home matches this season and the club will be hoping for an even bigger gate tomorrow.

Alford is excited about the prospect of leading his side in a national competition, though he does not expect to progress much further than the opening round.

"This competition is a bit like the FA Cup in football," he said.

"If we get through this weekend there's a chance we could draw one of the top National League Three sides.

"That would bring great publicity for the club but the players would have their work cut out. The early rounds are difficult enough, without having to face top professional players."

Chippenham are in the second year of a five-year plan to bring National Three rugby to Allington Field.

Alford is convinced his side can maintain their South West One status, but says they must invest in a full-time player-coach to make the next step up.

"Last week we played Bracknell, who had former London Irish flanker Chris Sheasby playing at number eight.

"To have somebody of that calibre providing coaching in the week and match experience on the Saturday is invaluable.

"If Chippenham can find the resources to bring in an ex-professional it would really benefit the young players coming through the ranks here."

Alford will be without former Devizes duo James Gaiger and Tom Collins for tomorrow's clash with Clevedon.

Of more concern will be the absence of skipper and star centre Rupert Crockett, who is still nursing a knee injury.

"Rupert tells me he's desperate to be on the bench but I'm not sure whether we will risk him," said Alford.

"He's not the best spectator so I might have to include him in the squad just to keep him happy."