HARTLEY Wintney open their Southern League Division Two campaign with a trip to Sparsholt.

Their Hampshire rivals finished sixth last season, one place above the village side, so a close encounter is expected this Saturday.

Last season, when the sides met at the Norman Edwards Ground, Hartley won by 92 runs as Patrick Joseph (86) starred with bat in a winning total of 250-8.

Sparsholt was then bowled out for 158 as Rhys Batcup and Thoams Garwood took three wickets each Danny Plume, who won the Division 2 batting award with 582 runs last summer, will again skipper a side, which will see the return of the Teale brother Jamie and Mark to the fold will add depth to the line-up.

They also have a new overseas signing in former New Zealand Under-19 all-rounder Henry Collier.

A 22-year old left-handed top order batsman and front line right arm off-spinner from Manawatu.

Collier played for Middlesex Premier League side Hampstead last season and was the club’s leading wicket taker with 27 and the second highest run scorer.

His 438-run tally for Hampstead included 50 plus scores against Ealing, Eastcote and Twickenham and he has already hit a ton for Hartley in their pre-season.

He holds a Bachelor of Business Studies degree and will give his time to helping the club’s Junior Development group sessions on Friday evenings, as well as supporting the coaches of other age groups.