Banstead's recent good form was brought to an abrupt halt at promotion-chasing Esher in their penultimate game of the season, writes Mark Spring.

Put into bat after losing the toss, only Rory Burns (46) and Nick Woodward (23) offered much resistance as Banstead were all out for 102. Tushara Mangei took 5-31.

Esher never looked in real danger as they knocked off the runs with seven wickets to spare, Anthony Shales scoring an unbeaten 37.

"We have been fighting relegation at this stage in the past two seasons, so maybe we have relaxed too early," said skipper Sam Woodward.

"Whatever the reason, this was a bad day at the office."

After recent successes, Banstead had an opportunity to move into the top half of the table and give a clear statement of intent for next season.

But with the notable exception of Rory Burns, their innings was never allowed to gain momentum.

Losing Jak Martin (2), Danny Newton (6), to Mangei and Sam Woodward (1) and Tom Lancefield (0) to Adam Cole, Banstead slumped to 43-4.

When opener Rory Burns was out, also to Mangei, he had contributed a patient and stylish 46 out of a total of 67-5.

Thereafter only Nick Woodward, last out for 23 offered any real resistance, as Banstead, lacking some of their more experienced players, subsided to 102 all out. For Esher Adam Cole finished with 3-37.

Whatever demons the Banstead batsmen saw in the pitch seemed to disappear when Esher mounted their response.

Despite a lively opening spell from Harry Weale who beat the bat on a number of occasions, finally dismissing Derik Lane offering no stroke for 15, Esher progressed steadily to the target only losing James Knot to Gale for 10 and Jonny Robinson, run out for 18.The glimmer of hope established with Esher on 50-3 was extinguished in an unbroken 4th wicket stand of 53 between, Anthony Shales (37) and Rob Matthews (17) who guided Esher to a 7 wkt win.

Banstead complete the season with an away fixture at Pyrford, thankful that safety has already been secured.