Surbiton’s hopes of lifting the NOW: Pensions MHL Premier Division title were thwarted by Beeston after a 5-1 defeat in the Championship play-offs final on Sunday.

Surbiton, who have the consolation of European qualification, were beaten by a blitzkrieg first half performance which saw Beeston lead 4-1 at half time.

Beeston, who had needed penalty shuttles to get past Reading in the semi-final, led Surbiton 2-0 after just 14 minutes, Martin Jones breaking the deadlock in the ninth minute, followed by Ollie Willars’ tap in five minutes later.

James Tindall instantly replied from the restart with a reverse stick shot to reduce the deficit, but further goals from Craig Boyne and Simon Egerton gave Beeston one hand on the Championship trophy at the break.

The second half was a much quieter affair goalwise, as Beeston’s defence held firm as Surbiton tried to fight their way back into the match; the only goal after the interval coming two minutes from the end, Boyne scoring his second goal of the match to ensure that the trophy would be heading to Nottingham.

Wandsworth Times: Beeston Hockey Club

Winners: Beeston celebrate winning the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League title

Reading will be joining Beeston and Surbiton in Europe next season after their 4-0 win over Canterbury earned them the third qualification place.

Wimbledon and Sheffield Hallam will be playing Premier Division hockey next season after Wimbledon beat the Yorkshire side 2-1 in the final promotion tournament match.

Southgate were relegated back to conference level after they lost 2-1 to Conference West champions, Cardiff & UWIC.

Wimbledon finished top with six points, having beaten Cardiff and losing to Southgate.

Sheffield Hallam boasted a better goal difference than Cardiff, both teams finishing the tournament on four points.

Southgate finished last, even though they were the only team to beat the tournament, and Conference East champions Wimbledon, 5-3 on Saturday.

Wimbledon and Sheffield Hallam replace Southgate and Brooklands Manchester University.