TORRINGTON marked their centenary year by topping the scoring charts in the North Devon Journal League.

In their 100th season, the Greens plundered 116 league goals, blazing a trail back to the Premier Division.

By winning the Senior Division and the Combe Martin Cup, they were the only team across the league to complete the double.

Things didn't look too promising after Tom Nash, Tony Higgs and Quyen Tran gave Pilton an opening-day win at Vicarage Field.

But that turned out to be just a blip, with Torrie winning the next 15 games to open up a commanding lead at the top.

During that run, Shamwickshire suffered a 10-1 thumping at Pollyfield, while Danny Jenkins hit the only goal in the key win over Braunton.

Northam Lions suffered a similar fate with Jenkins and Ross McNicholas both hitting trebles in an 8-1 triumph.

And the goal rush peaked with a 17-0 win over struggling Clovelly when Jenkins (five) and strike partner Trevor May (four) led the rout.

For all Torrie's firepower, Braunton were determined to make them fight for the title, enjoying an outstanding season of their own.

Ashley Lowe's young team lost just three times in 26 games, ultimately missing out by just two points.

Having stepped up from the under-16s, players like Jordan Darch, Sam Rush and Sam Box all excelled in their first season of adult football.

The top two met again at the end of April with Torrington knowing a win would secure the title in their final league game.

When Malcolm Stewart scored direct from a corner they looked on course, but the hosts seized the initiative with a late equaliser from Ben Green.

That meant Braunton could catch the leaders by winning their last three games.

Yet 24 hours after losing to Torrie in the cup final, their league hopes went too with a 5-1 defeat at Shebbear United.

Victims of the fixture congestion, they were unable to lift themselves as Danny Gray blasted a hat-trick in United's 5-1 win.

Bideford also had a huge say in the title race, winning three of their four fixtures against the top two.

They were beaten 3-1 by Braunton in November but clinched the rematch at the Sports Ground when Hector Christie twice scored free-kicks in a 4-2 win.

Veteran Christie was a central character as the Robins became the only team to beat Torrington twice.

His early penalty settled a 1-0 win at Vicarage Field in January but the 2-0 triumph in March was marred by a serious eye injury for the striker.

Biddy enjoyed an excellent season after stepping up from the Kingsley League, falling just short of the top two after a couple of unexpected defeats at home.

James Vanstone gave Shebbear United a 1-0 win there in August, while Kilkhampton won 2-1 thanks to Ryan Bunning and Adam Walter after Nick Gregory had saved Christie's spot-kick.

Another goalkeeper to earn good reviews was South Molton's Paul 'Smudger' Smith for his sportsmanship in the 2-0 defeat to Braunton.

Referee Fred Saunders was unsighted when Matt Hunt's shot appeared to go through the side-netting but Smith was honest enough to admit it went in.

The Images were victims of another bizarre goal against Clovelly when Nick Brazier scored after his team-mates tried to give the ball back following an injury.

Clovelly then stepped aside, allowing Dean Birchall to walk through for an instant reply.

Although Clovelly outscored their opponents 7-5 for a belated first win, their spirited revival wasn't enough to avoid last place.