Sidmouth Rugby Club overpowered Chard 28-7 in a pre-season warm-up match on their own turf.

The game, originally scheduled against Okehampton, saw Sidmouth field two new signings, Lewis Hole and Alfie Keats, as well as seven debutantes from last season’s Devon Cup-winning colts.

Sidmouth started strong, with Connor Preston scoring the opening try, successfully converted by Jake Smith.

Dan Armstrong, Archie Cruze and Jack Marchant shone in later offensive operations, with Cruze scoring the second try.

Half an hour in, more rookie players were brought on, and shortly after, Scott Henderson scored following a robust run, outwitting three defenders.

Two young scrum halves, Harvey Green and Charles Edwards shared 40 minutes each keeping the backs supplied with quick, clean possession.

Meanwhile, Chard made their mark with a converted try, but Sidmouth promptly responded with another try, courtesy of Sam Basnett.

Given the many changes made throughout the game, Jake Smith at fly-half did a fine job running the game.

Sidmouth now looks ahead to an away encounter at Withycombe this Friday, with a kick-off scheduled for 6.30pm.