BUDLEIGH Salterton are on the way back to the Tolchards DCL A Division after a three-season absence thanks to a promotion-clinching three-run win over Braunton.
Budleigh’s top-six batters, with the exception of six-ball casualty Lloyd Murrin, were largely responsible for setting a total of 236 for eight at the Holt.
Opener Luke Domashenz made 42 in a rush, Luke Davies (20) chipped in, then Ed Doble (54) and Sam Whitehead (44no) kept going.
Steve Moore (3-45), Andy Paddison (2-36 and Theo Valeri (2-46) were Braunton’s primary wicket-takers.
Skipper Sam Reddick (56) led the way as Braunton set off in hot pursuit. Steve Aston (20), Callum Mitchell (29), Valeri (21), James Kemp (24) and Jason Raynor (28) all played a part reaching 216 for five with three overs to go.
Then skipper Doble (5-31) spun out Kemp and Raynor four balls apart, which changed the complexion of the game.
It came down to 12 to win from the final over, bowled by Whitehead, which proved four too many, despite James Lake humping the third ball of the over for six.
Said Doble: “It was a great game to be part of and a very exciting day for the club.
“It was great to be promoted by winning such a tight game against a team that played well.
“We are all looking forward to Bovey Tracey 2nd XI in our last game this Saturday – and excited to be back in the A Division next year.”
Said Reddick: “We put ourselves in a great position to win, but not getting over the line sums it up for us this season.
“Close games each week, but poor discipline with the ball is costing us.”
This defeat means Braunton will be playing for their B Division lives when Ipplepen pay a visit to Kelsey this Saturday.
A last-day relegation decider is on the cards between the two main candidates to go down with doomed Abbotskerswell.
Mathematically, Bovey Tracey 2nd XI could still be drawn into the final-round drama, but should be capable of gaining the five points they need from their date with champs Budleigh Salterton.
Both Braunton (195pts) and Ipplepen (189) know a defeat will send them down.
Reddick said: “It's clear what we need to do and we have to go and execute our plans. Everyone is up for it.”
