Sidmouth Rugby Club's first team narrowly lost 25-20 to Matson despite leading at halftime.

This marks the third time this season the Chiefs have been in the lead at halftime but failed to secure a victory.

Under clear skies, the Chiefs commenced the match strongly, with debutant fly-half James Docherty making an impressive kick from the halfway line just five minutes in, giving Sidmouth an early lead.

However, Matson responded with an unconverted try from their right winger, who managed to catch a diagonal kick from the fly-half and score.

Sidmouth quickly regained the lead through Rory O'Brien, who sprinted in from the halfway line, with Docherty successfully converting.

Despite a near miss from scrum-half Ben Fisher, who lost possession at the line, Sidmouth managed to advance the ball after a penalty was awarded for an earlier offence.

Shaun Malton then drove over for a try, which Docherty converted, giving Sidmouth a 17-5 advantage at halftime.

After the break, Sidmouth pressed hard inside Matson's 22 but lost their chance due to a knock-on.

Matson capitalised on their own five-metre scrum, with their scrum-half finding a gap to score an unconverted try.

Matson then took control of the game, scoring two more tries, one from a forward who dived over the line from a lineout maul, and another from a flanker who made a strong run from halfway into Sidmouth's 22.

Matson’s conversion put them five points ahead.

A penalty extended Matson's lead to eight points.

Docherty's late penalty provided Sidmouth with a consolation bonus point.

Next, Sidmouth Chiefs will host St Austell on Saturday, while the Quins will face Tiverton 2nds, and the Colts will play Exeter Saracens.