CHEPSTOW retained the bragging rights over arch-rivals Caldicot with a dramatic 29-11 derby day win at the Upton Memorial Ground.

Watched by a vociferous crowd of around 500 people the home side ran in four tries in an explosive opening 25minutes to put the game beyond the visitors and secure a second victory over them this season.

The game began in fast and frenetic fashion with both sides desperate to dominate the opening exchanges.

Caldicot were driven on by a desire to regain local pride after losing the reverse fixture back in September. Chepstow meanwhile were looking to bounce back from their first defeat in nine games.

But in an opening 10minutes littered with big tackles, infringements and penalties, neither side was able to gain the upper hand.

This all changed as Chepstow's pack began to harness their passion and will to win, working their way up the field with a succession of driving mauls. With the backs finally able to get on the front foot, they wasted no time in taking full advantage as winger Sam Thomas burst through a tackle to score in the corner.

Despite taking the lead Chepstow's indiscipline threatened to allow Caldicot straight back into the game, giving away a string of penalties. Fortunately for the home side Caldicot fullback Joe Bajjada was only able to convert one of three attempts, to make it 5-3 after 20 minutes.

But roused and re-focussed following a stern talking too from captain Alyn Franklin, Chep­stow's response couldn't have been more devastating.

First, number eight Daniel Chiu used his strength and speed to crash through the opposition line for a brace of tries. He then turned provider for former Caldicot hooker Christian Griffiths, who added a fourth with just over 25minutes on the clock.

Another former Caldicot player, Nick Williams, kicked two of the three conversions, to put Chepstow into a commanding 24-3 lead.

But stung into action, the visitors quickly regained a foothold in the match. This was helped in part by more Chepstow indiscipline as Ian Griffiths was sent to the sin bin.

And despite an outstanding rearguard display in his absence, the visitors capitalised on their man advantage, first through a Bajjada penalty and then through an unconverted try by number 12 Sion Lewis.

With the score 24-11 at half-time Caldicot started the second half like they finished the first, throwing everything at the Chepstow defence.

But although they dominated possession and territory they were unable to find a way through. Man of the match prop forward Wayne Morgan and full back Jonathan Thomas were particularly instrumental in keeping them at bay.

With an hour gone Chepstow again found themselves a man down, Christian Griffiths this time given his marching orders. But it appeared to have little impact as the home side's back line continued to hold firm.

And with just five minutes left on the clock Caldicot were made to pay for their profligacy when a charge down from Chepstow scrum half Elliott Cracknell fell into the hands of fly half Nick Williams who crossed to complete a much-celebrated 29-11 victory.

The result gives seventh-placed Chepstow their ninth win in 10 games going into Saturday's game with Cwmbran.

Chepstow coach Phil Smith was in bullish form following the victory.

He said: "I am over the moon. We played really well and defended really well in particular.

"The result was never in doubt, on paper we are 20 to 30 points better than them and this has been proved once again. We just need to now cut out the inconsistency in our performances and take this form into every game from here on in."

Meanwhile Caldicot's Steve Pritchard was left to rue his side's poor tackling and inability to make the most of their possession.

He said: "Basically, four missed tackles within the first 25 minutes cost us the game. They went 24 up and it was game over. You can't go anywhere and miss four tackles, especially at a packed ground in a local derby.

"We did respond and had a lot of possession and territory in the second half, for 35 minutes they barely got into our half but we didn't use it well and our decision making was poor. But fair play to Chepstow they defended well and soaked up a lot of pressure."

Caldicot – who have now dropped to fourth behind Cwmbran – now have to pick themselves up for a home against Machen RFC on Saturday.