Bradley hands out the plaudits after Bovey land first title since 2002

Matt Golding leads the celebrations in Bovey

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BOVEY Tracey will be in party mood when Exmouth visit Ashburton Road this Saturday after clinching the Premier Division title with a game to spare.

The long-term leaders – top of the table since week two – only needed two points from the match to secure their first title since 2002.

A 22-run win over the relegation worriers meant it was mission accomplished.

Jim Mardell, the boss of league sponsors Tolchards Drinks, will present the Premier Division champions’ trophy to Bovey captain Peter Bradley during the tea interval on Saturday.

Skipper Peter Bradley said he was ‘chuffed’ and ‘proud’ to have led Bovey to the title, adding:  “The players have played and fought for each all season in a fun, hard-working nature.

“I would like to been seen as winning the league the right way.

“It wouldn't have happened without the excellent support structure at the club, led by nigel Mountford and the committee.

“On behalf of the players, we are very grateful.”

Bovey were all out for 149 in the 46th over. Tom Sturgess knocked over both openers then spinners Jamie Drew (2-25), Jack Menheneott (3-39) and Jackson Thompson (2-23) worked through the rest.

Lewis Hammett (31) was Bovey’s leading run maker.

Heathcoat’s best partnership was the second-wicket one of 40 between Reid Mawdsley (28) and Sam Smith (17).

Thompson made 24 and Drew 26, but there were no stands greater than 27 as Heathcoat dipped to 127 all out.

Former Devon captain Chris Bradley (3-33) got out dangermen Sturgess, Thompson and Jack Dart. Ryan Bougourd polished off the tail en-route to figures of three for seven.

Bradley said the manner of Bovey’s win highlighted the strengths key to winning the title.

“Batsman battling in partnerships on a hard wicket, then defending at all cost, with fantastic catches and pressure with the ball and in the field,” said Bradley.

“Although we felt 180 was par on that track, with our four spinners, it was always going to be tough for Heathcoat.

“We could easily have let it slip after getting the two points needed, but we kept going and kept fighting for each other.”