CHIPPENHAM came within a missed penalty of pulling off a huge upset in South West One East as league leaders Old Patesians scraped to a 33-32 triumph at Allington Field on Saturday.

Fly-half Dom Riccio’s effort from wide out narrowly missed the posts to deny the home side victory in a match in which they had stunned the title-chasers by holding a 20-point lead with 20 minutes to go.

Off the back of the previous week’s win over Old Centralians, Chippenham started well but suffered a setback when centre Lewis Surry was shown a yellow card.

Old Pats took advantage, scoring two tries past the 14-man hosts and converting once for a 12-point advantage.

Surry returned to the pitch and rectified his earlier error by scoring a superb try under the posts, which Riccio converted.

As the home side found their rhythm, they were rewarded with their second try, scored out wide by hooker Jon Turner, to go in at half-time all square.

After the break, Chippenham continued their confident performance and Turner crossed for his second try of the match, with Riccio adding the extras.

The home back line then changed up a gear, putting together potent attacking plays and line breaks, Matt Dickens crossing the line twice in quick succession and Riccio adding a composed drop goal to take them 32-12 ahead.

Old Pats though upped the ante, roaring back with 21 unanswered points, including the final conversion that took them a point clear.

Chippenham regained possession from the restart and earned a penalty, but Riccio’s kick drifted wide.

Chippenham travel to Keynsham for a Bath Combination Cup semi final on Friday.