12:31pm Wednesday 10th September 2008
Ardleigh Green 172-7(dec)
Chingford 163-a/o
(Premier League)
CHINGFORD suffered the heartache of relegation from the Premier League after their season came down to just ten runs at Ardleigh Green.
In one of the few matches to survive the weather, the Forestsiders knew they were probably going to need a win, to maintain their place above rivals South Woodford in the final safety spot.
They did well to restrict Green to 172-7 from their allotted overs, with only Freddy Butt (55) really getting amongst the runs.
Ben MacGregor led the bowling with three wickets, while both Steve Piper and Jamie Hill picked up two each, as the trio just failed in their bid to completely wipe out the hosts.
The visitors gave a good chase knowing that maximum points were needed, but despite excellent knocks from Rob Whitfield (40) and Hill (33) came up just ten runs short of securing a victory that would have seen them safe.
That was because South Woodford secured a convincing win that lifted them just six points above Chingford in the final table.
Reflecting on events disappointed skipper Sam Kirnon said: “Even if we had finished above South Woodford we would have only stayed up because Saffron Walden pulled out of the league.
“But at the end of the day it was down to us, and we need to pick ourselves up ready for next season for what is going to be another difficult year back in Division One.”
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