DOWNTON’S men finished off the season strongly but it wasn't enough to seem them retain their status in division one of the New Forest League.

They rounded off with a win over New Milton, yet were still relegated as they lost out to Brockenhurst by half a point.

Fordingbridge wrote a new chapter in their history books after winning the league for the first time since 1953. They pipped the familiar likes of Ringwood and Brockenhurst, who have dominated the league for the last 15 years.

The ladies, despite having another win, slipped to second place in the New Forest Ladies top division and they are now two points behind Highcliffe.

In the Wilts 4 Rink League, Amesbury were confirmed as winners of Area D with Salisbury in second place. Amesbury will play either Wootton Bassett or Chippenham Town in the quarter-finals and Salisbury will play Westlecot. In a change from the usual format, these games will be played on a 2 Rink home and 2 Rink away basis.

In the Mixed Triples League, Mere beat Wilton 11-3 to go into top spot with only three games to play.