CHIPPENHAM U18s have been crowned champions of the Dorset and Wilts Merit Table after Sunday's opponents Bournemouth cancelled their scheduled clash.

The south coast club were unable to raise a side through injury, thereby forfeiting the match and handing the points to undefeated Chippenham.

The decision angered Chippenham coach Rob Alford, who said: "'I found it difficult to accept their reasons for cancelling the fixture. Bournemouth are one of the biggest clubs in the area and have a large junior playing section like Chippenham.

"I am sure that they could, if they wanted to, have put out a team for Sunday's match. The real losers in this are the Chippenham players who have been denied the opportunity to celebrate winning in the league.

"As it is Bournemouth's decision not to play has left everything, including the players a bit flat."

The U18s face Swanage and Wareham away in the quarter finals of the Dorset and Wilts Cup on Sunday.