WHO says the Torbay Sunday League is in decline?

Certainly not Appleby's manager Rod Martin after springing to its defence in the wake of his side's 7-3 triumph over Victoria Inn at Ashburton's Chuley Road to hold on to second place in Division One at the weekend.

"It was stunning, and it was feisty between sides not content with being also-rans in the title race," was his assessment, adding:

"Both teams turned up with at least 17 players ready to do battle, and referee Andy Distin did well to keep control. Who says Sunday football is dead?"

The game was a back-to-back following the previous week's clash in which Appleby's over-turned a 2-0 interval deficit to win 5-3 at Torquay's Windmill Hill.

This time, Appleby's built a 2-0 lead through man of the match Owen Williams and Dave Worthington, while it was Victoria Inn's turn to show their qualities to turn the game on its head and lead 3-2 at half-time thanks to goals from Danny Grute (2) and Dan Uglow.

Victoria Inn's organisation and discipline was impressive, and it took more than 150 minutes of playing time (over the two games) before an offside flag was raised against them.

Nevertheless, they found it increasingly difficult to contain Appleby's, never more than when substitute Liam McAuley was introduced up front in the 55th minute.

He gave the attack a more cutting edge, and they cruised home in the end with further goals from Matt Whitehouse (2), Kevin Orrell's bullet head and one from McAuley himself.

"The difference between the sides was definitely on the substitutes bench where they were much stronger," admiited Victoria Inn team spokesman Aaron Dore.

Also in Division One, Artful Dodger beat Jackz 7-2 at King George V Playing Fields with player-manager Shane Finch named player of the match in only his second full appearance this season.

Finch operated in midfield after finding himself with only 10 others to choose from, and scored to make it 2-0 before half-time. The other goals came from Nathan Begley and Pete Somerfield, both helping themselves to hat-tricks.

Jackz played throughout the ill-tempered game with only nine men, their goals coming from Sam Austin and Sam Simcox.

The third scheduled Division One game between defending league champions Paignton AFC and Royal Standard was postponed after both teams agreed to re-arrange play it again on another weekend.

"It was all above board," insisted AFC Paignton manager, Steve Breed.

"Both teams knew well in advance they they'd struggle to put out 11 players, so it was mutually agreed to re-arrange the fixture.

"I've heard the conspiracy theories, but we went through the league to get it changed."

Added Royal Standard manager Phil Lloyd: "It would also have been unfair on the other teams chasing AFC Paignton for the title if we had gone into the match with less than a full team."

In Division Two, leaders Kingsteignton Athletic 3rds extended the gap at the top to five points over The Dolphin Inn thanks to a 6-0 stroll at home to Torbay Wanderers.

Michael Turner grabbed a hat-trick, while Jamie Horn hit two on his debut for the club, and Elliott Crook one.

Jolly Judge were the day's top goal-scorers, rattling along to a 10-1 victory over a nine-strong Nova at Torquay's Stoodley Knowle. Player-manager Aaron Underhill led from the front with four goals, the others coming from Anthony Smith (2), Jason Matthews, Pete Langley and Mike Cooke.

Matt Coombes snatched a consolation for Nova, who struggled to raise a team because of illness and unavailability.

Spartans were also on form in front of goal, beating Totnes-based Nelson Birdwatchers 8-1 on the other Stoodley Knowle pitch.

It was their first game under new player-manager Phil Lerendu, who praised his team in general and Phil Bryen and Scott Corderoy in particular.

Both Corderoy and Bryen were on the score-sheet along with Max Corderoy (3), Mark Jones (2) and Dean Swift, while Dave Barwick replied for an under-strength Nelson, who were again thankful to goalkeeper Sean Lambert for avoiding a complete landslide.

Commented Nelson player-manager Steve Wellington: "We only had the bare 11 to pick from, while Luke Trant carried on despite his knee popping out during the game.

"The main thing was that everyone enjoyed it, which is why we entered the league in the first place."

Also in Division Two, Crown and Anchor were 4-3 winners away to Torquay United Supporters, two of their goals coming from superb Sam Jennings free kicks and one from the penalty spot converted by Gavin Phillips.

Michael Baron's was perhaps the best of the four however, after he let fly from 30 yards, while Supporters replied through Dan Wojak (to make it 1-1 at the interval), Nick French and Paul McGuire.

"I thought we were better than them, but three of their goals deserved to win any match," conceded United's team spokesman Adam Mason.

RESULTS

Division One: Artful Dodger 7 Jackz 2, Victoria Inn 3 Applebys 7.

Division Two: Nova 1 Jolly Judge 10, Nelson Birdwatchers 1 Spartans 8, Torquay United Supporters 3 Crown & Anchor 4, Kingsteignton Athletic 3rds 6 Torbay Wanderers 0.