TAVISTOCK were on the blunt end of an eight-wicket clubbing at Paignton that clinched the Premier Division title for the Queen’s Park outfit.

It was Paignton’s first Premier title win since 2005 when Neil Hancock led them there – and only their second since the league was formed in 1972. The other win was in 1985 when the late Ray Tolchard was the skipper.

Harry Witcher (17) was the only one of Tavistock’s top six to get into double figures as Paignton scythed through the frontline batting.

Dave Manning hung around for an hour and eight minutes to make 16, and skipper Sean Cleave went one better to 17, as Tavistock ‘recovered’ from 22 for six to reach 86 all out.

Cole Harford led Paignton’s bowling effort with three for 11. Aya Gqamana (2-32) and Rory Medlock (2-15) played their part.

Paignton’s run-chase casualties were Brenton Pedley (17) and Hancock (10). Luke Medlock (57no) did most of the work knocking-off the runs, which took 11.1 overs.

If Tavistock are turned-over in the same way by Sandford in this Saturday’s final batch of fixtures, and Plymouth beat Sidmouth, they could be sucked into last-day relegation jeopardy. Seven points will make them safe.

Cleave said the next game is the one that matters, not this one.

“It has s been a long season and everyone has given their all so we could be running out of steam a little,” said Cleave.

“Now we must get ourselves back up for next week and pick up the points we need.

“Congrats to Paignton on their title.”

Meanwhile, Tavistock 2nd XI enjoyed a 10-run victory on home turf over Ipplepen 2nd XI which likely pens them in for a seventh-placed finish in the D Division West.