cricket

Budleigh’s season of hardship ended with a 49-run defeat at Plymouth in the final day of the Francis Clark Devon League season.

Their top flight status was secured though, even without the six points they got from the game as results elsewhere meant they finished 13 points above the drop zone with Heathcoat and Sandford despatched for at least the next 12 months to the A Division.

Charlie Morris signed off with then club before beginning his time in then First Class game next season with a three wicket haul and that was also what skipper Joel Murphy bagged as Plymouth closed on 220-8 after their 50 overs.

James Hudson, another making his final appearance, in his case he will be next season serving with the Military in Germany, opened the reply and top scored with a fine 76.

Unfortunately only two other Budleigh batsmen got into double figures as wickets fell at regular intervals.

Fellow opener James Burke hit 29 and Lloyd Murrin, from the number seven slot hit 16 as Budleigh were bowled out for 171 in 45.1 overs.