NEW Hartley Wintney captain Danny Plume feels there is new positive vibe around the village club after last season’s relegation from Southern League Division One.

Plume has taken over from Scott Baldwin at the helm of the club following their drop to Division Two and feels the focus of the club in getting things right on the field has a taken a great step forward following the appointment of Hartley first ever director of cricket in Jonty Rowe.

Plume said: “We were relegated last year, but we lost so many games narrowly, it could have been very different."

Hartley have lost a few players, but the core remains and they have a new overseas player in Tommy Garwood from Tasmania.

Patrick Joseph has signed from Basingstoke and could well prove to be a explosive bat, as well as adding some pace to the Hartley attack.

Plume is not going to put any pressure on his team and said: “l like the look of our team and I think we will do well in this league, but it is a long season and lot can happen it would be nice first to win a few games.

Hartley open their league campaign with a tricky trip to newly promoted South Wilts II.

Plume said: “I have never played them, so this is going to be a journey into the unknown, but hopefully we can start with a win."

Hartley’s first home game is a week Saturday when they entertain Calmore Sports.