CHIPPENHAM’S had to console themselves with one half of a possible double as their bid to reach the final of the England Hockey Vase ended in defeat on Sunday.

The day before, a 4-1 victory in Cardiff over bottom side Whitchurch C secured the Wiltshire side the Davis Wood League North Division Two title.

Luke Morris scored twice, Alex Thomas and Harry Elias also on target as Chippenham finished a point ahead of Penarth.

But their hopes of a league and cup double were dashed as Burnt Ash (Bexhill) clinched a 4-2 win at the Sports & Social Club.

In the biggest game in their history, Chippenham paid the price for giving the ball away near the edge of the D as Burnt Ash built up a 3-1 half-time lead, although the third goal was controversial, being adjudged to have crossed the line despite the efforts of Craig Stewart.

Midway through the half, the home side had registered as Mike Dodd drove to the byline and squared for Mark Knight to tap in at the far post.

The home side held the upper hand after the interval, cheered on by a large crowd, and cut the gap again as Morris finished from close range after a short corner had been blocked.

But in a rare Ash attack a short corner was fired high into the net to end Chippenham’s hopes and book the visitors’ final place against Cheshire outfit Tameside in Kent next month.

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