By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

STOKE Gabriel defeated Paignton 2ndXI by 19 runs to end any doubt over which team was gong to win South Three.

Paignton (15.7pts) were fractionally ahead of Stoke Gabriel (15.5) going into the last lap of the group season so it really was everything to play for at Queen’s Park.

Seb Ansley was the man of the moment for Stoke Gabriel with a quickfire 114 in their total of 189 all out.

Ansley went in at four for two and was involved in stands worth 172 before he was eighth out to Tim Robinson (3-25).

Issac Withington (15) and Harrison Yeates (16no) were the only other batters to reach double figures in an innings dominated by Ansley, who hit 13 fours and six sixes during his 90-ball stint in the middle.

Paignton shared the wicket taking around with three for skipper Tom Blundell (3-31) and two for Rory Medlock.

Paignton made a dire start when opener Tim Robinson was run-out in the first over without facing a ball.

Steve George (20), Cole McFarland (52) and Ollie Woodcock (38) appeared to have Paignton back on course at 110 for three. A slump to 135 for eight changed the outlook.

Tail-enders Cameron Mair (16) and Jack Smith (13) gave Paignton hope with ninth-wicket stand of 28. Smith departed on 163 and Mair was last out on 170.

Wicket taking was a team effort with three for Jake Robinson and two each for Jack Tolley and Kyle Lardner.

Paignton go into the second-placed play-offs where they will be at home to Braunton this Saturday.

SHALDON’S game against Ashburton was called off due to a waterlogged ground.