CHEW Valley’s hopes of winning their sixth successive rugby match were dashed when they went down to a disappointing 25-17 home defeat against Matson in Regional One South West.
It means they slipped back to second from bottom in the table after Marlborough collected a bonus point in their 45-43 thriller away to Ivybridge, who won only their fourth game of the season but remain nine points adrift at the bottom of the table.
Banrstaple are the new leaders of the division after they pulled off a 40-8 home victory after Royal Wootton Bassett.
They are now two points clear of previous leaders Brixham who lost 31-26 at home to Sidmouth.
Exmouth are third after they chalked up a 51-22 home victory over Lydney who remain ninth, while St Austell were 47-21 home winners over Launceston.
The next round of matches in the division will not be played until Saturday, March 22.