The league fixture took place on Saturday afternoon at Witney’s ground in Oxfordshire, with the visitors arriving unbeaten and the hosts holding a perfect home record.

The opening half was played largely in Witney territory, although Chippenham’s handling errors and misplaced passes prevented them from turning early possession into points.

After sustained pressure inside the home side’s 22-metre area, the visitors finally broke through when crisp handling and deceptive running lines created space for Archie to score the opening try.

The forwards then made their contribution, with Barney finishing a well-constructed team move to extend the advantage to 12-0 as half-time approached.

Chippenham added a third try before the interval following an infringement on the halfway line.

They kicked to touch for a line out 10 meters out, secured clean line-out possession and formed a driving maul which eventually carried Zak over the line.

The score left the visitors 17-0 ahead at the break, but they knew the second half would bring a tougher test while playing up the slight slope and into the wind.

Witney began the restart with greater urgency and reduced the deficit when they scored in the corner.

An excellent conversion left Chippenham with only a ten-point advantage despite their control of the match.

A quick reminder of the coaches' words from Captain Smith helped settle the visitors, who quickly regained their authority.

The captain then scored Chippenham’s next try, opening the way for a sustained period of pressure and further points.

Palmer followed with another score before Tutcher crossed as the visitors began to pull clear.

K Healey Suggs added his name to the scoresheet, with A Healey then claiming his second try of the afternoon.

The away side’s attack continued to expose gaps in the tiring defence, while their forwards provided the platform for the backs to exploit.

Witney refused to finish quietly and scored again with the final play of the game.

That late effort brought the final score to 57-14, giving Chippenham a convincing victory after a controlled opening period and a prolific second half.

The result maintained the visitors’ perfect league record and ended Witney’s unbeaten home start to the campaign.

The performance was built on territory, set-piece pressure and improved execution after the interval.

There was concern afterwards, however, as news emerged of a potentially serious injury to Nick during the Chippenham second-team match at Allington Fields.

All at Chippenham wished the young player a speedy recovery.