Lewington treble keeps Buckland in the hunt

Former Torquay United striker Jared Lewington provided another demonstration in clinical finishing, as he slotted a fine hat-trick in steering Buckland Athletic to a 5-1 demolition of St Blazey at Homers Heath.

The three points keeps Buckland involved in the race for promotion from the Western League, although they will need an impeccable run to the end of the campaign if they are to close the ten-point gap on leaders Clevedon Town.

The opening goal came through a calm side-finish by Sam Morcom after a delicious pass from Cieran Bridger. Lewington then started his fun with a close-range strike from a lovely cross by Ben Fowles.

St Blazey, struggling at the bottom of the division, showed some fight by pulling a goal back just before the interval, but the second half was all about the Bucks. After twice hitting the woodwork, Buckland restored their two-goal cushion midway through the second period with a Lewington penalty drilled into the roof of the net.

The hat-trick goal was typically predatory from Lewington, snapping up the loose ball after a handling error by the visiting custodian, and gloss was added to the victory with a final goal for debutant Will Hughes. Buckland travel to Ivybridge Town this weekend.

Brixham saw their weekend game postponed but return to action at home to Oldland Abbotonians, who inflicted a surprise defeat on title contenders Barnstaple on Saturday.

Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police are up to third in the South-West Peninsula League, banishing the memory of a rare defeat last weekend to overpower lowly Torrington on a muddy pitch in North Devon.

After falling behind early, goals from Kieran Parkin and Saul Vanes put Stoke in front, only to be pegged back by a scruffy equaliser. After the break, Stoke pulled clear with a strike from Jordan Thomas and another for Vanes.