BUDLEIGH Salterton showed that skipper Lloyd Murrin’s confidence in his squad is not misplaced by easing to a five-wicket win over promoted Barton with five balls to spare.

Beating Barton gave Budleigh a mid-table finish in the B Division, which they reluctantly dropped into this time last year.

Murrin believes the experience gained this season can be the catalyst for a promotion push in 2025. Beating one of the teams going up this season proves his point.

Said Murrin: “We've been good in patches this season, but failed to put together performances consistently. 

“We lost five players from the squad last year and the new comers have performed well.

“The youngsters who have stepped in this year have been a big positive. 

“We are in a good place for a charge next season.”

Barton, six points behind Cully going into the final batch of fixtures, had to win at the Holt and hope the leaders slipped-up against Teignmouth & Shaldon. No one adhered to the script, which left Cullompton 21 points clear in the champions’ spot.

Steve Lewis, Barton’s promotion-winning captain, said: “A great day of cricket – shame we were on the wrong end of the result.

“Although Budleigh deserved the win in the end by fine margins, we stuck at it until the end.

“To take it to the final over was great discipline and shows the mindset I believe will serve us well next season.”

Tary Masakanda, Barton’s former Zimbabwean batsman, went through 1,000 league runs for the season with a top score of 75 in a team total of 256 for eight.

Masakanda’s tally of 1.053 runs includes four tons – the best 129 against Clyst St George – and six half-centuries, all contributing to an average in the low 70s. 

“Tary getting past 1,000 runs for the season was a special moment and a phenomenal achievement,” said Lewis.

Tom Drake made 73 – he and Masakanda put on 92 for the third wicket – and Nick Watkin 25.

Jack England, Sam Whitehead and Ryan Cotton-Harris all had three wickets each. Joe Marley’s one for 31 off nine overs was the cheapest of Budleigh’s bowling.

Opening batsman James Doble spearheaded Budleigh’s chase with 105. Stands of 55 with Max Mejzner (26) and 151 with Luke Domaschenz (76) took Budleigh in sight of victory.

By the time Doble was dismissed by Cole Harford (2-47) the target was 17 to win. Game over.