BACK-TO-BACK defeats after an unbeaten 13-game run was not the finish that Haslemere wanted.

But those losses came with the Surrey Championship Division Five title and promotion already in the bag and it was perhaps a lack of motivation that caused Haslemere to lose their edge.

“In general, I’m extremely pleased with the way things have gone,” said captain Leigh Thayre. “It was a bitter-sweet moment in that first defeat because it was the day we won the league.

“Motivation might have been a problem. We had played well all season and I think we’re strong enough to do well next year.”

Thayre singled out opener Chris Hooker (495 runs in 11 innings) for praise. “He’s been consistent all season and made a lot of runs. He was our focal point, along with Chris Spooner, our other opener, and we all chipped in around them.”

Haslemere had a well-balanced attack. Chris May, Ollie Ellis and Billy Boxall were often potent with the new ball and Haslemere were particularly well off for off-spinners, with Sam Williams, Alex Hooker and Spooner consistently taking wickets.

On Saturday, Thayre elected to bat and although they began badly against Luke Westcott and Jake Loveridge – 59-5 at one stage – Haslemere recovered to post 154 – the sort of total they have often defended successfully this season.

Simon Eastment made a typically forceful 41 and Thayre himself top-scored with 45 as he marshalled the late order towards a competitive total.

But it was not enough to win the game. A strong Chertsey top order prospered against a weakened seam attack. Wade Cupido, Matt Wiggins and Dave Risk took the score past 100 and skipper Greg Burton (33 not out) put the final touches to a six-wicket win that keeps Chertsey third in the table behind Haslemere and Maori Oxshott.