CHIPPENHAM were eventually crowned champions of the South West One East division on the last game of the season with a 20-7 victory over Trowbridge.

In the end Danny Thomas' side didn't need anything from the game with Devizes beating second placed Towcestrians to send the league crown to Chippenham.

A thirteen game unbeaten start to the season set up the foundations for the promotion push and just three defeats all season secured them the title and an automatic return to the National League Three South West division.

"It's been a great season and I am really happy," said head coach Thomas.

"We had the disappointment last year and it was all about re-grouping this year and we kind of looked at it at the mid-season point and we thought we were the best team in the league and it was just a case of keeping our foot on the pedal.

"We managed to do that and it is a great credit to all the players and the amount of effort they put in throughout the season.

"I think it is hard to lead from the front because you are there to be shot at a little bit.

"I think that is what makes it a better season because we were at the top and we were the best team in the league, but we rode a lot of games and played some great stuff as well along the way."

The season may be just a few days old but Thomas is already looking forward to next season and hoping for a better return to the league that they dropped out of just a year ago.

To ensure they are ready there will be a long pre-season and Thomas is keen to get more players through the door to ensure that they can compete in one of the best leagues in the area.

"The guys stuck to our philosophy and the way we want to play and I am just glad it worked this year and it is time to re-group and plan for next year," he added.

"It is a very tough league and I have mentioned before about the different budgets the teams are operating at.

"We have got to learn from the season before and this season and try and put in place some processes so that we can overcome some barriers.

"First of all we need to get some more boys through the club, whether that is through the development or to encourage some guys to come and join us.

"We have got all the ingredients here to be a National Three side."