Still going strong - Budleigh seamer Joel Murphy

BRIXHAM are safe from the threat of relegation irrespective of the outcome of a pending disciplinary appeal.

Although Brixham lost their final game against Budleigh Salterton by 85 runs, neither Chudleigh or Ivybridge were able to gain ground on them to get out of the bottom two.

Brixham have a three-point penalty hanging over them, imposed by the league along with a three-match ban on Andy Pugh following an alleged dissent incident in the game against Paignton last month.

If Brixham’s appeal fails and the deduction goes through, they will still be six points clear of the drop spots.

Budleigh recovered from 10 for two with both openers out to make 258 for five.

Ed Doble (43) and Trevor Anning (46) put on 111 for the third wicket and there was a subsequent stand of 92 between Phil Anning (73) and Jack England (50).

Pugh, able to play while the appeal is in progress, top scored with 92 in Brixham’s reply of 173 all out. No one else made more than 19. James Leat (3-24) and Doble (2-22) made sure of that.

Pugh was sixth out on 160 to his former Devon team-mate Trevor Anning (3-16).

The ever-youthful Joel Murphy – 48 next birthday – took two for 33 to speed Brixham on their way.