Chippenham concede too many penalties

Chippenham loose narrowly against Wimborne but come away with regrets. It is all about sticking to patterns says Director of Rugby John "Topper" Brown

After a great opening game of the season and another solid week training, Chippenham’s 1st XV made the long journey down to Wimborne with high hopes of another win. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be and Chippenham went down 22-21 losers.
Heavy showers were forecasted, this resulted in a fairly scrappy first half with the conditions proving difficult to hold onto the ball. Both teams carried on playing resulting in a kickable Wimborne penalty which was missed. Chippenham managed to apply some defensive pressure on Wimborne in their 22 ensuing a strong turnover at the breakdown by centre Lewis Surry who then powered over the try line for the only score late in the first half converted by fly half Dominic Riccio.
It was obvious at half time that there was a lot to improve, but if Chippenham were to stick to their patterns we were confident that we could get the win. Chippenham managed to apply more pressure from the kick off with the same outcome. After turnover ball Lewis Surry got over the whitewash again for his brace, Dominic Riccio again converted leaving Chippenham with a commanding 14-0 lead. However without the Chippenham pack being able to provide a solid enough platform at the set piece and countless penalties at the breakdown, led to two quick Wimborne scores. Chippenham replied with another score, this time out wide by Captain Ryan Surry playing out of position at openside flanker. Dominic Riccio hit the touch line conversion giving Chippenham a 21-10 lead with 20 minutes still on the clock. Wimborne weren’t going to take this lying down and crossed again for a converted try to make it 21-17 with 5 minutes on the clock. Chippenham were under pressure in their own 22 which led to conceding more penalties and Wimborne scoring out wide with no time left.22-21 was the final result.
Chippenham didn’t walk away empty handed, they gained a losing bonus point, but it wasn’t the win that they wanted. It’s clear that when Chippenham stick to their patterns they are a very dangerous team, but when we drift off script it becomes much harder. However let’s get a big crowd down to the Allington Fields next weekend for the 1st XV’s home fixture against Banbury.