BUDE Town have been been crowned St Piran League Veterans East champions following a 4-2 victory over Gunnislake on Wednesday night at Morwenstow AFC.

The Seasiders knew that anything but a win would likely do with both Dobwalls and Gunni also in the title mix, and named a strong side against dangerous opponents.

Gunnislake dominated possession and territory throughout, but found the home defence – expertly marshaled by man-of-the-match Ant Buchanan – a tough nut to crack.

Bude took the lead midway through the first half when Billy Hopcroft’s ball in was put in by Phil Horton’s half volley.

Jason Jones denied the visitors on a couple of occasions, and the Seasiders nearly doubled their lead when Gary Clarke saw his shot cleared off the line.

It was 2-0 soon after the restart as Hopcroft again found Horton who turned past the defender and found the bottom corner from close-range.

Gunnislake, who had 20 shots and a plethora of corners, eventually got one back after the hour with a well-struck shot from 25 yards, and were level with 20 minutes remaining when a corner was headed in.

But Bude regrouped and went in front with just over 10 to go when first team manager Steve Hackett cut in off the left and saw his shot from inside the box take a deflection into the far corner.

Gunni were reduced to 10 men for a stamp, and Bude sealed the title – their 12th win in 13 games – as Horton’s cross from the left was headed in by Hopcroft.

Bude take on Gunnislake again in the League Cup final at Lanivet on Wednesday night (7pm).

BUDE TOWN VETS: Jason Jones; Adam Goodgroves, Anthony Buchanan, Matt Facey, Tom Swatton; Steve Box, Dan Balsdon, Gary Clarke; Phil Horton, Billy Hopcroft, Steve Hackett. Subs: Ryan Leverton, Chris Platt, Rob Hambly, Shaun Page, Matt Rowe.

Seasiders’ man-of-the-match: Anthony Buchanan.