Axminster completed their season’s mission on the penultimate Saturday of August as they booked an instant return to the Francis Clark Devon League B Division after a seven wicket success at home to Chagford.

Twelve months ago there was much gloom about Cloakham Lawn, but the club has enjoyed a superb summer this time round and they will line up once again in the third tier of the County League when it all kicks off again in nine months time.

Much of this season’s success has been down to the all-round strength for the side and their final home game saw the bowler’s first combine to bundle out the visitors for 145 before the batsmen made short work of the run chase.

Robbie Prior (3-13) and Nick Taylor (2-25) were the main wicket takers and after tea Matt Pile with an unbeaten 55 and Paul Miller (30) – the pair added 100 for the unbroken fifth wicket - saw the side to a seven wicket win. Johnny Hurford chipped in with 22.

Skipper Tristan Wakeley said: “It really could not have gone any better. We had a great turn out of support and the players, to a man, delivered. I guess you call that the perfect day!”

Axminster complete the season on Saturday with a trip to Dartington and Totnes. Wakeley says: “With promotion now in the bag there can be a case for treating this is a bit of day out. However, I am keen for us to go out on a high and say goodbye to the C Division in some style. That means the message to the players will be more of the same from the last game please, I want no easing up. Let’s go there, do a job and the get back to Cloakham for some social celebrations.”

With promotion sealed Johnny Hurford and Brett Garner can be excused duty in South Devon so both become available to Axminster Town for their football campaign.