CANVEY Island captain Laurence Shearcroft has labelled the season ‘a success’ despite losing their final match of the T-Rippon Mid-Essex League Premier Division season.

The sixth-placed team were beaten by Rettendon - who were relegated despite their win after Rayleigh defeated Brookweald - going down by six wickets.

Canvey scored 166 with Rettendon losing just four wickets as they passed the total in 38.1 overs.

And Shearcroft said Rettendon did not deserve the drop after the way they played.

“It didn’t work out for us,” he said. “Rettendon played very well and they were up for it. We played them nine weeks ago and they were poor but the way they played meant they didn’t deserve to go down.

“We didn’t bat very well and it was a wasted opportunity. We are looking forward to the break now and we will train a bit more before the season but it was a successful year.”

Jamie Casson (69) and Richard Foot (39) impressed, along with Casum Tiffin (2-25) and Taylor Casson (1-29).