CHIPPENHAM put themselves in pole position for promotion from the GoCrea8 League Central One division after inflicting a first league defeat on promotion-chasing rivals North Somerset.

The hosts dominated from the start and the pressure finally told as the visitors conceded a penalty stroke, Mark Knight stepping up and converting.

The visitors only looked to threaten on the break, but the defensive trio of Dewi Evans, Craig Stewart and Tom Bowrey worked hard to protect the lead, with Ben Snell sweeping up any remaining threats.

In the second half the visitors pressed looking for the equaliser but Harry Wells made several good saves to keep Chippenham ahead.

Nick Middleton and Knight both came close to extending the lead before Luke Morris made the game safe midway through the second half, firing home from close range.

In East Central One at Devizes A, Chippenham A could not overcome a strong home side and went in 1-0 down at half time.

The home side got a second before Harry Elias pulled one back. Pressing forward for the equaliser Chippenham A conceded a late third.

Chippenham B moved further away from the East Central One relegation zone beating Corsham 10-0.

Andy Edwards hit five goals, while Tim McKendrick got two and Danny Longley-Brown and Ron Ousby each got a goal.

Goalkeeper Leo Barker, who took his pads off for the last 10 minutes, managed to score the final strike.

In East Central Two, Chippenham C snatched a late 1-0 home victory against Wootton Bassett B, Simon Gubbin scoring from a close-range rebound with 10 seconds left after Nathan Borman’s initial shot was parried.

Chippenham D went behind early on to West Wilts C and were 3-0 down at half-time.

Good work by Adam Timberlake and Sam Goring limited the visitors to a single goal in the second half.

n CORSHAM Ladies closed the gap on West Clubs League Wessex Division One leaders West Wilts with a 5-0 victory over City of Bath 2.

The deadlock was broken when a well-worked penalty corner was converted by Mel Bessell and Corsham doubled their lead when Laura Mizen scored.

Bessell and Mizen scored again in the second half and Harriette Beazer scored an individual effort late on.