Westbury RFC welcomed Chippenham 3rds to Knott Field in their first home fixture of the season.
After a narrow away defeat at Combe Down, coach Chris Bush was keen to start the game well. Unfortunately, right from kick off the Chippenham backs started to dominate the game and some slick handling left Westbury’s full back and captain, Nigel Kershaw, open to runners.
Westbury managed to rally but it was too much and Chippenham duly scored the first points of the game with a well worked try. Extras added, Westbury 0 Chippenham 7.
Again from the restart it was much of the same until finally the Westbury forwards began to get hold of the game and with some crisp offloading, flanker Logan Smith sprinted through a gap and ran in from the half way. Fly Half Aaron Vaughan added the conversion.
Chippenham, again looked the stronger side and pushed Westbury back and forced them to defend their line at all costs before giving away an easily kickable penalty, when Chippenham took the lead 7-10.
The score stayed the same until after the break. With both sides keen to play running rugby, it was the home team who put their fast hands into action, first putting Ryan Knight through a hole in the Chippenham defence, powering over to give back Westbury the lead. Vaughan missed the conversion and Westbury took the lead with 12 points to Chippenham’s 10.
Westbury seemed buoyed by their comeback and began to dominate across the pitch and, with prop Reece Ball smashing his way through the Chippenham defence, Westbury’s lead increased. Vaughan this time managed to add the extras.
Almost straight away Westbury’s concentration dropped and a lapse in the defensive saw Chippenham break straight back with a converted try.
Westbury were, however, gritty in their determination to not let this slide away and after a great jinking solo run, scrum half James Catley-Day added another score. With Aaron Vaughan off the pitch due to a knee injury, captain Nigel Kershaw took over the kicking duties, unfortunately missing the conversion. Westbury 24 Chippenham 17.
Westbury rounded off what was an excellent performance and exhilarating game of rugby when centre and stand in fly half, Dan Gould, ghosted through the Chippenham defence to clinch all the points and put the game out of Chippenham’s reach.
Coach Chris Bush was very pleased with his team’s performance and the commitment of the players was outstanding. Everyone put in a great performance and the team spirit was excellent from everyone.
Maeve Taylor
