Ottery St Mary have pulled out of the South West Peninsular League.

The decision was announced on social media by the League after the club's last game on the season on Wednesday after beleaguered Ottery were thrashed 15-0 by Axminster Town.

The club fulfilled their commitment to complete their fixtures and it is thought they will drop down a level and seek election to the Devon League next season

Ottery have a proud record and are now embarking on a rebuilding exercise following the loss of their manager, Billy Rouse, and a number of senior players who defected to neigbours Sidmouth Town. They accept they don't have the standard of player required to compete in the Peninsular League

Ottery finish the league in 17th lace, having conceded 151 goals. Ironically, Sidmouth Town are second from bottom in the table with just one more game to play.

The 15-0 victory at Tiger Way on Wednesday saw Axminster move into sixth place in the table with just one game to play.

It was difficult not to feel sorry for Ottery as the Tigers lined up to get on the scoresheet. The Otters had only one attack on goal with the ball ricocheting off the crossbar.

The Axminster scorers were Josh Wadham (3), Oscar Latis (3), Jamie Short (3), Joe Chmberlain (2), Jamie Price (2) and Josh Lukins.

With three players grabbing a hat-trick, it was impossible to choose a man-of-the-match.

Axminster complete their season tomorrow (Saturday) away to fourth place Ivybridge Town where a victory may be necessary to retain their sixth place. Their nearest rival, Dartmouth, however, are away to leaders Torpoint so the clever money will be on the Tigers finishing in the top six to crown an excellent season.

Reserve team manager Jamie Barfoot has stepped down from the role to concentrate next season on playing next season but he will stay in his role as groundsman.

Chairman Andy Hurford has also decided to relinquish the reigns after four years in the role during which time he has steered the Tigers through some challenging times.