THE BRAUNTON Challenge Cup has returned to its home village.

Not since the competition's inaugural year in 1934 had Braunton got their hands on the trophy.

But they rounded off a glorious weekend with a 2-1 win over Barnstaple AAC at Mill Road on Sunday.

After clinching the Journal League senior division title on Saturday, the reserves extended their celebrations thanks to two poacher's goals from Tom Cheetham.

For manager Ashley Lowe, four times a runner-up, the occasion was particularly sweet.

He watched from the sidelines for the previous two seasons as Braunton missed out against Torrington.

And as a player he once scored four goals in the final and still finished on the losing side. Admittedly, two of those were in the wrong net when Braunton lost 6-2 to Willand Rovers in 1993.

Another defeat followed against Barnstaple AAC ten years later, but a repeat result rarely looked likely this time.

Braunton have been the standout team in their division this season and they always had the edge despite the work-rate and willingness of the Ammies.

Movement and passing created the opening goal for Cheetham after 29 minutes.

Sam Nash prodded a pass through from midfield, Louis Murrell made a clever run and Cheetham toe-poked, Romario-style, past Shaun Walker.

At the other end, Karl Smith was getting little change from defenders Tom and Matt Hunnibell, but his equaliser on the stroke of half time was a stunning strike.

Smith spotted Jake Whitten off his line and belted the bouncing ball over his head from 35 yards.

Braunton started the second half on top and it was no surprise when they regained the lead on the hour.

Murrell made a run on the right and his first-time cross was met by Cheetham. Walker did well to save the initial effort but the midfielder capped a man of the match display by burying the rebound.

Even then the Ammies refused to lie down and their most impressive player, Gary King, went close to grabbing the leveller.

King was unable to keep his shot down though, after his brother Andy carved out the chance.

Braunton were worthy winners and their young players showed again they would not be out of place at premier level.

Barnstaple AAC: Shaun Walker, George Turner, Steve Payne, Gary King, Ian Johnstone, Luke Ovey, Charlie Logie, Darren Hughes (Simon Osment ht), Steve Isaac (Andy King 60), Karl Smith, Russell Ovey (Darren West 83). Subs not used: Neil Bousahla, Mark Ellis.

Braunton: Jake Whitten, Jordan Darch, Dan Roberts, Tom Hunnibell, Matt Hunnibell, Tom Cheetham, Tom White, James McDonald (Richard Goodyear 88), Louis Murrell (Matt Hunt 77), Andy Mason (Curtis Netherway 61), Sam Nash. Subs not used: Lee Goodman, Dan Hunnibell.

Referee: Ivor Phillips. Assistants: Adam Sowden, Kevin Thomas.