Local football returned to Vicarage Road, East Budleigh last Saturday with a nine-goal thriller as the Jays came back from a 3-1 half time deficit with a fantastic second half display.
Budleigh started well and were ahead inside a quarter of an hour; Jack Howarth giving the hosts the lead with a sweetly struck free-kick into the top corner.
Dunkeswell gradually got a foothold in the game and, through Budleigh’s generosity were level minutes later.
The equalising goal understandably gave the visitors confidence and by the break, Rovers found themselves with a two-goal cushion. Josh Cann, Brad Morris and Max McKeown were the scorers for Dunkeswell.
After the interval, Budleigh were a different animal and played some fine football.
Within seven minutes of the restart, Liam West saw his corner converted at the back post by Joe Day, before the scores were levelled as Jack Greenslade followed up a blocked shot from Jack Hocking.
By now, Budleigh had the bit between their teeth and the game was turned on its head when Jacob Rice scored after good approach play by Guy Laverock on 63 minutes.
Eight minutes later, the points were pretty much secure when Hocking headed home a goal that his performance warranted from another West corner.
There was still time for both Hocking and man of the match Darren Everest to hit the woodwork before Gareth Morrey saw his shot make it six.
The result was enough to keep East Budleigh within catching range of Exmouth Rovers at the top of Division 1 East.
This weekend will see Budleigh continue that challenge at home to Lympstone, who are currently second from bottom after the leagues were revised following the latest lockdown.
It is then on to Saturday, April 17 and a massive showdown that could ultimately decide this division, as Budleigh travel to Exmouth Rovers.
Budleigh will complete their reorganised campaign with trips to Lyme Regis Reserves and Teignmouth Reserves.
While league glory is obviously desirable for any team, the overriding feeling from everyone at Vicarage Road, and across East Devon football was one of relief and happiness to be out playing football again.