In the cold light of day, Ashtead CC skipper Tom Deighton is a proud man, despite defeat in the final of the ECB National Club T20 on Tuesday.

Ashtead were undone on finals day by an exemplary batting display by Chester Broughton Hall’s Lee Dixon, who hit 87 off 47 balls to leave Deighton’s men chasing 178 at Northants County Ground.

The imposing total was a step too far for Ashtead, who were skittled for 80 to lose by 98 runs.

But for Deighton, actually reaching the final – at the expense of Peterborough Town by nine runs – is reason enough to be cheerful.

He said: “Looking back on the day, it’s one of mixed emotions. The main thing was to reach the final and have that experience.

“Thinking about it, we had done so well to get to finals day that despite losing the final, people were not completely devastated.

“We were beaten by one excellent batting display on a pitch that should not have suited it, but you cannot argue with how well he played.”

The competition began with 800 clubs, and was whittled down to four, with Ashtead winning the Surrey T20 title, then beating the champions of Sussex, Kent and Devon to take their place in the showdown – much to the enjoyment of their Surrey rivals.

He added: “I was overwhelmed with the support we received on Twitter from so many Surrey clubs.

“I’d never thought about it before, but it just goes to show that the Surrey Championship is a real community, which goes beyond your own team.”

Meanwhile, despite a two-wicket defeat at Horsley & Send on Saturday, Ashtead will be playing Division One cricket next season after promotion as champions.

And the club’s second string also won promotion, as runners-up, to the Premier Division after opener Gary Martin (127) inspired them to victory over nearest rivals Spencer.

All in all, it’s been a good season for the Woodfield Lane-based club, something chairman Richard Laudy is quick to acknowledge.

“It’s been a fantastic year for the club, two promotions, reaching the T20 final and the building of a new pavilion,” he said.

“Getting to the T20 final was the biggest day in the club’s history, and it shows the tremendous commitment of the players.

“They had to win 11 games, beating seven Premier Division sides to get there, to reach the final – for what was a Division Two side that is one hell of an achievement.”