Mitcham's disappointment of losing their final League game of the season was tempered by the fact that they avoided relegation by other results going their way.

Playing with the slope in the first half, Mitcham could not convert their pressure into points.

It was Amplefordians who struck the first blow when their winger collected a loose ball, chipped ahead and collected a very fortunate bounce to outstrip the Mitcham defence and score.

Poor defending allowed the home side to make it 10-0 with another try before Mitcham got into their stride.

Good work by flanker James Terrell, on his 19th birthday, earned Mitcham a penalty with the home side not releasing the ball after a tackle.

The Amplefordians captain was lucky to see yellow and not red after a punch at Mitcham number eight Simon Barnard.

This appeared to spur Mitcham on and following a surge by the forwards, Jake Odell picked up the ball from close range to crash over to bring Mitcham back into the game before half time.

An injury to scrum half Ryan Jones caused Mitcham to have a reshuffle with Dane Tuck stepping in at scrum half.

Amplefordians started the stronger in the second half and Mitcham could not cope playing against a prominent wind and against the slope.

Quick ball allowed the lively home side backs to get into their stride and score from some excellent moves.

However Mitcham fought to the end and were unlucky not to add to their first half try with Dane Tuck, Liam Dewsbury and Paul Whittall all going close.

Mitcham are expecting an influx of new players and the return of some old players for next season. Mitcham president Gary Ashburn said: "It will create a healthy competition for places and also lead to Mitcham's third team being resurrected."

Mitcham's pre season training will start again in June and anyone wanting further information can contact club officials on 07921 369457.