A MINUTE’S silence was held before the match to mark the passing of Melksham club stalwart Chris Bull, who passed away last week.

Melksham made a promising start with Phil Stone scoring from a pushover try in the first five minutes and Rob Bailey converting.

Chippenham responded shortly after with a try to level, with Melksham forced to defend for long periods of the opening half.

At the restart a knock-on gave Chippenham good position to attack from and they scored an unconverted try.

Melksham’s troubles worsened as a converted try put Chippenham 19-7 ahead.

Bailey landed a penalty for the home side but another try from the visitors wrapped up the result.

Melksham battled back with Adam Davies scoring a try before the end.

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