Sidmouth Chiefs slipped to their third successive defeat and moved two places down the league table against relegation-threatened Newton Abbot in a match in which the lead changed six times.

A super game ended in a 33-25 for the home side and another top advert for Devon rugby, even if the final result went against the Chiefs.

With the Chiefs scrummaging superiority being cancelled out by familiar lineout failings, it was the All Whites’ more effective kicking game which proved decisive in wet conditions.

The Chiefs conceded four penalties in the opening five minutes to give the home side the early initiative, which they capitalised on to open the scoring when a forward drove over from close range for a try converted by the scrum half.

Jason Allen opened the Chiefs account with a penalty before Cameron Grainger put them in the lead with a try following a charged down kick.

Newton Abbot soon regained the lead when the full back joined the line between his centres to cut through and score, despite Phil Dollman’s last-ditch tackle. The try was converted.

On the stroke of half-time, Dan Armstrong drove over from a ruck near the line following a tap penalty move. Jake Allen’s conversion gave his side a one point lead at the break.

Allen extended the lead with a penalty soon after the restart but it changed hands again when a Newton forward scored a converted try from close range.

On the hour mark, another tap penalty move led to a second try for Dan Armstrong, which was converted by Allen.

With ten minutes to go, the Newton Abbot full back appeared on the blindside of a ruck inside the 22 to send his left winger over in the corner for a one-point lead.

A kick high into the Sidmouth 22 bounced kindly for the chasing Newton player who ran in under the posts. The conversion denied the Chiefs the consolation of a losing bonus point.

On Saturday, the Chiefs complete their league programme at Wellington, where a win will see them finish in fifth place.

There is no home match, but the clubhouse will be open to show the final matches of the Six Nations on the big screen.