HARTLEY Wintney captain Darren McBride signed off his three year reign as skipper of the club with a superb five wicket win at Ventnor.

The defeat denied the reigning champions the Southern League division two title and saw the village side stage a great comeback and secure fourth spot in their first year at this level.

Ventnor won the toss, decided to bat and reached 188-9. Jack Cockram (3-22) was the pick of the bowlers, well supported by Stewart Rivers (2-34) and Scott Baldwin (2-46).

The Hartley reply did not get off to a good start as they struggled to 16-2 and then slumped to 89-6.

At that point Neil Salter joined Baldwin at the centre and the pair steered the visitors home, with an unbroken seventh wicket stand of exactly 100.

Baldwin finished unbeaten on 75 and Salter smashed a 57-ball half-century that included two fours and four sixes.

A delighted McBride said: “It was an incredible win and one of the best since I have been in charge. It proved this side can play with the best at this level.

“We fielded and bowled really well, but batted poorly until Scott (Baldwin) and Salts (Neil Salter) came together. Scott put down anchor and Salts played aggressively when he needed to make sure we won and it was a good way for me to finish.”

It was fitting end to McBride’s reign as captain, having guided the team from Southern League division three to become the top local cricket side this season.

Looking back on his three years in charge, McBride said: “I think for me the highlight was winning the division three championship and beating Portsmouth in that year. The Ventnor game was close to that. Of course also winning the Aylward Cup and picking up some silverware in my last season was nice.”

He added: “This club has really come on leaps and bounds in recent years thanks to a lot of hard work off the field. The club has enough experienced cricketers for someone to take up the mantle.”

McBride and his Australian wife are moving to Australia early next year, but he will still be watching the club’s results with interest.

He said: “I will be taking a break from cricket, spending more time with the family and playing some golf.

“I am sure the club will go from strength to strength. It is a fantastic place to play cricket and I wish everyone at the club all the best for the future.”