CHIPPENHAM U15 took the Bristol Combination Cup out of the city with a hard-fought victory in the final at Keynsham RFC.

In a repeat of last year’s final, Chippenham were seeking revenge against their old rivals and the holders.

But they fell behind to a Cleve score in the corner, although the try was not converted.

Five minutes later, Cleve punished Chippenham again, with an almost identical move and try in the corner, but again the conversion missed its target. Chippenham were unlucky not to concede two more tries during the first period, but superb try-savings tackles on the line from Harry Taylor and Ollie Jones kept the score at just 10-0 up until half time.

In the second half, and following an inspirational team talk, Chippenham picked up the pace and started to attack the Cleve defence.

Forwards and backs alike took every opportunity to run at Cleve and, midway through, they were awarded a penalty on the Cleve five-metre line.

The ball was passed out to Taylor who, with a quick show-and-go, squirmed through the wrong-footed defenders by the posts.

He then calmly slotted home the conversion. The sides became locked in a midfield battle but gradually, Chippenham started to inch their way upfield. Following a series of line-outs, they were awarded a scrum just outside the 22m and Rhys Brown peeled off the back and ran through the defence between the posts. Taylor again converted. Cleve launched a huge onslaught, determined not to relinquish the cup, but the Chippenham defence remained steadfast to claim the trophy.

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