Longlevens RFC

After the highs of last week’s superb victory over the league leaders, it was a sobering afternoon for Longlevens as they travelled to Chippenham RFC, eventually falling to a 57–19 defeat.

The first half, however, told a very different story. Longlevens started brightly, taking the game to their hosts with pace and purpose. Carrying hard and moving the ball with intent, they repeatedly threatened the Chippenham line. Tom Barton was electric throughout the opening period and it was no surprise when he struck first. Picking up the ball in the outside channel, he burned his opposite number for pace to finish superbly. Brad Wilkins added the extras for a 0–7 lead.

Chippenham responded quickly to level the scores at 7–7, but Barton was at it again soon after. Spotting space in the 13 channel, he accelerated through a gap and crossed for his second of the afternoon, restoring the advantage at 7–12.

Unfortunately, the warning signs that would define the day soon began to creep in. Loose kicks handed possession back cheaply and tackles were slipped at crucial moments. Chippenham capitalised to edge ahead 14–12. To their credit, the Griffins showed real grit in defence, repelling three successive scoring opportunities and keeping themselves firmly in the contest.

The turning point came on the stroke of half-time. Another loose kick surrendered possession, and Chippenham punished the error to extend their lead to 19–12 at the break. It was a decisive blow that handed the home side momentum, and they never relinquished it.

The second half quickly became a horror show for Longlevens. Chippenham are a quality outfit, and if given time and cheap ball they are ruthless. Four unanswered tries in the opening 20 minutes of the half blew the game wide open, stretching the lead to an unassailable 45–12.

To their credit, Longlevens kept battling and chased at least a try bonus point. A try came through the impressive Jacob Holman-Jones, who powered over to reduce the deficit to 45–19. But that proved to be the final contribution from the visitors, as Chippenham added two further tries to close out an emphatic 57–19 victory.

It was a very disappointing outcome after last week’s high. The lessons are clear: you cannot win games by giving up cheap possession and missing tackles, particularly against strong opposition.

Longlevens now have a week off to regroup before a must-win home fixture against North Dorset RFC.

Attention this weekend turns to the second XV, who take centre stage at Longford Lane as they face local rivals Matson Utd, in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.