George Allen - already actively recruiting for the Premier Division next season

LONG-time leaders Torquay had to settle for second place and promotion as runners-up after losing a non-event at Cornwood by 69 runs.

Torquay arrived at Cornwood needing just two points to be sure of promotion as runners-up behind champs Paignton.

The points were in the bag once Matt Beasant dismissed Mo Salman at 90 for four and from then on the game had little meaning for either side.

Salman (36) and Ben Beaumont (38) were Cornwood’s main run scorers in their total of 178 all out.

Franco Kasner (4-52) was Torquay’s leading wicket taker. Beasant and Sonny Baker had two each.

Torquay were all out for 109 in reply. They were 39 for six at one stage before Kazi Szymanski (27) and Jack Richardson (31) put on 53 for the seventh wicket.

Skipper George Allen was honest in his appraisal of the season’s outcomes.

“At the start of the season our goal was to get promoted, which we have achieved,” said Allen.

“After spending the majority of the season at the top of the table it would have been nice to go up as champions

“Paignton beat us twice, and also Cornwood, so fully deserved the title. We look forward to meeting them in the Premier next season. “

Getting up is easier than staying up… as Paignton know from their previous experiences. Allen knows that too.

“We are now recruiting players who want to play Premiership cricket at the best ground in South Devon,” he said.

“Pre season will be starting in November.”

The A Division promotion race has been a three-horse affair from the word go with Paignton, Torquay and Cornwood all taking turns at the top.

Skipper Matt Skeemer will probably look back on the last month of the season and consider the impact of a tied game at Abbotskerswell, a loss to Paignton and a surprise defeat at lowly Bideford on the Corns’ promotion chances.