Leatherhead CC skipper Matt Joblin admitted that sometimes the opposition just play better than you, after a five-wicket defeat at relegation contenders Valley End.

Saturday’s defeat, which came on the back of a fine win over Sutton, saw Leatherhead dragged to within seven points of the Surrey Championship Premier Division drop zone.

Leatherhead started brightly enough thanks to Adam Dyson’s opening knock of 62, however, they ended on 183 all out.

In reply, Valley End frustrated Joblin’s bowlers and knocked off the runs in the 49th over, with only five wickets down.

Joblin said: “It was a poor result for us, especially on the back of the Sutton win, which should have given us momentum.

“It was a tricky wicket to bat on, but 180 should have been enough to win, but it’s probably the first time the year that we have not bowled as well as we could.”

He added: “It’s dragged us back near relegation.

“We would look to beat Valley, but we showed some inconsistency. But it also shows the strength of the league, and there are no easy games.”