CLACTON Cannons narrowly missed out on booking their place in the Suffolk Plate final after succumbing to a 16-point loss at the hands of high-flying Meru.

The Cannons turned in a display of the highest quality to ensure their season ended with a bang in front of a packed and noisy Clacton Leisure Centre crowd.

The game was played at a high pace from the start.

Both teams went all out to win and the contest was played with real intensity.

The Cannons raced into a seven-point lead, thanks to a three-pointer from Nick Moodey and points in the paint from Daniel Tight and Riley Taylor.

The Cannons actually outscored their opponents in the first and fourth periods.

However, Meru opened up a double-digit lead in the second period with some superb shooting from beyond the arc.

This gap was ultimately too large for the Cannons to close, despite their best efforts as a team and, in particular, MVP Rhys Tight.

"Commitment, togetherness and quality" were three words Cannons head coach Chris Tight used to sum up his team's performance, after their 85-69 defeat.

He also thanked spectators for their and wished Meru good luck in the final.