Bassett keep cup hopes alive with narrow win over Chippenham

Royal Wootton Bassett managed to edge out Chippenham to pick up a much-needed 41-33 win to keep their hopes of progression in the Papa John’s Community Cup alive.

The game was to be a close encounter for the third time this season. A superb crowd had gathered in the beautiful spring sunshine with Bassett holding their annual Sausage and Cider festival with the game being the highlight.

Bassett got off to a near-perfect start when outside centre Scott Douglas went over. Douglas has only just returned after a long injury break but looks to be back to his best. Rhys Floyd added the conversion and Bassett led 7-0.

Almost immediately Chippenham hit back with a converted try to level the scores, and to make matters worse Bassett’s young winger was yellow-carded for a high tackle in this move.

Chippenham began to fire on all cylinders and were rewarded with two further tries as they sprinted out into a lead midway through the opening period.

The momentum then swung back towards Bassett and they took the game back to Chippenham playing some thrilling open rugby. Before the interval tries came from Thomas “Tucker” Blinkhorn and Sam Collier with a further Floyd conversion. Bassett went in at the break with a narrow 21-19 deficit.

A tremendous first half had seen both teams score three tries in a hugely competitive game and more of the same looked to be ahead as the two slugged it out to come out on top.

However, Bassett then played 25 minutes of fantastic rugby with the ball being spread all over the Ballards Ash ground. Second tries came from both Collier and Blinkhorn.

Flanker Oli Baycroft was able to force his way over for a try after Chippenham had pulled one back.  Floyd added two of the conversions and Bassett led 38-16.

Shortly after Bassett opted for a penalty from Floyd to extend the leading margin to three scores and leave Chippenham with plenty to do.

But Chippenham were not be deterred and upped their game forcing Bassett on the defence. Eventually, a converted try was their reward but despite late efforts, the Bassett defence held firm for a close but ultimately deserved victory.

Bassett will be pleased to have regained momentum after a poor display the previous week at Winchester. Bassett now travel to group table toppers Newent in Gloucestershire. Bassett will almost certainly need a bonus point victory if they are to progress.