The Chiefs achieved their first victory in 2023, and moved back into fifth place in style, thumping Bridgwater 58-8.

Sidmouth took the lead in the third minute from a lineout catch-and-drive play. The forwards drove over the line for hooker Asa Unsworth to get the touchdown. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful but Cole Monaghan kicked two penalties in quick succession to take the lead into double figures.

Another lineout maul set up the second try. After driving close to set up a series of rucks near the line, Tom Hodge found a gap to cross over for Monaghan to add the conversion.

Midway through the half, the visitors broke their duck with a penalty kicked by the fly half but when a Bridgwater player was sent to the sin bin, the Chiefs took advantage to score three tries in quick succession.

Asa Unsworth scored his second from another lineout driving maul. Rob Griffin powered over from a pick-and-go after Josh Bess broke on the blindside of a five-metre scrum and Dan Armstrong broke two tackles to set up a superb handling move, which went down the right into the 22 before the ball was switched across field for Jake Allen to dive over in the corner.

In first half injury time, another excellent handling move following a turnover on halfway provided Unsworth with his hat-trick. The conversion made the halftime score 44-3.

Ten minutes into the second half, Harry Emmett ran strongly into the opposing 22. The ball was quickly recycled from a ruck and Cameron Grainger exploited a gap to sprint over under the post for a converted try.

Bridgwater showed commendable spirit to fight back and dominate much of the next 20 minutes and were rewarded by an excellent individual try scored by their inside centre.

The Chiefs defended well to prevent any further scores and rounded off the scoring when James Emmett latched on to a loose pass to sprint 70 metres for a converted try.

On Saturday, the Chiefs travel to Chard. The Quins are also on the road to Buckfastleigh, while on the Blackmore Field, the Over 35s entertain West Country Wasps. At Sidford, the Colts entertain Crediton Colts. All matches kick-off at 2.30pm.