CHEW Valley’s hopes of pulling off their first win of the season were dashed when they slumped 40-17 away to mid-table Matson in Regional One South West.
It was Valley’s tenth defeat of the current campaign and they are now six points adrift at the bottom of the table.
Leaders Exmouth made it nine wins in ten matches, but were given a scare before winning 32-27 away to Lydney.
It means Exmouth remain two points clear of second-placed Barnstaple who gained an impressive 47-7 away win over Royal Wootton Bassett.
The Cornish tussle ended with St Austell winning 29-19 away to Launceston. It was St Austell’s fifth win of the season and they are now sixth in the table. Marlborough pulled off a 46-17 home win over Ivybridge to go seventh.
Meanwhile, Chew Valley will be looking to end their barren spell when they play at home to Sidmouth, while Exmouth will be looking to stay top when they play at home to Matson.
Fixtures in Regional One South West this weekend are: Brixham v Royal Wootton Bassett, Chew Valley v Sidmouth, Exmouth v Matson, Barnstaple v Launceston, St Austell v Marlbrough, Ivybridge v Lydney.