DOM Riccio’s late drop-goal preserved Chippenham’s 100 per cent winning record at the top of the South West One East table as they grounded out a success at Newbury.
In front of a large home crowd, the visitors made the better start, Sam Saunders missing an early penalty, but Newbury, who were unbeaten at home, fought back and, following a feisty exchange, Chippenham flanker Andy Rossiter was sin-binned.
The away side’s habit of conceding penalties continued to haunt them, allowing Newbury to build a 6-0 lead.
But Chippenham improved in the second half and, as Riccio’s boot moved them forward, a controlled maul allowed flanker Nick Aston to touch down, Saunders adding the conversion.
Newbury regained the advantage with their third successful penalty of the match but, when scrum-half Lewis Surry sparked a Chippenham surge, the ball reached Riccio, who calmly dropped the winning points.
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