CHIPPENHAM captain Nigel Stonham insisted his team should hold their heads up high despite defeat in the biggest match in their history on Sunday.

Stonham’s men lost out 4-2 to Kent side Burnt Ash (Bexley) in the semi finals of the England Hockey National Vase, ending their hopes of a historic appearance in next month’s final.

Chippenham were chasing the second leg of a league and cup double, having clinched the Davis Wood League North Division Two crown 24 hours earlier after a 4-1 win in their final match against Cardiff side Whitchurch C.

Despite goals from Mark Knight and Luke Morris their hopes were dashed, but Stonham pointed to big strides forward after a successful campaign.

“The lads battled their hearts out but they (Burnt Ash) were just a little bit sharper on the day,’’ said the skipper.

“We had a great turnout of support to watch us and we’re disappointed we could not get the win that everyone wanted, but it was very close.

“We could easily have won, but it wasn’t to be. Good luck to Burnt Ash in the final, they were a good team.’’ He added: “The important thing for us this season was to get promoted and we’ve done that. It was great to get the win on Saturday that gave us the league because it was important for the club.’’