JASON Knibbs enjoyed a dream debut for Hartley Wintney, as he struck a century to help them to a 91-run victory over visiting St Cross II.

The visitors won the toss in this Southern League Division Two clash and put Hartley into bat.

They then regretted it, as the opening pair Will Kerr and South African Knibbs set about building the formations of a big score.

They shared a first wicket stand worth 188, before new captain Kerr was dismissed one short of his ton, being bowled by James Allen.

Allen then struck twice more removing Darren McBride on his return to the first team for four and new boy from Hambledon Indy Chakrabati for the same score.

Knibbs and Jamie Teale (17) then added 36 for the fourth wicket, before Knibbs’ superb debut knock of 117 was ended.

It was left to the returning Roy Cockram (13 not out) and Matt Digweed (nine not out) at the end of the innings to take the score to 281-6.

The St Cross reply got off to a good start as former Hampshire opener Jason Laney (73) and Paul Hawkins (34) put on 103 for the first wicket.

The pair were parted by Knibbs (2-25) and along with Roy Cockram (2-22), the visitors were soon 120-4.

It was then left to Mark Teale with a super spell of bowling to dismantle St Cross, as he took 5-25 in 8.3 overs as they were all out for 190.

His brother Jamie took the only other wicket to fall.

The victory was a great start in Hartley’s quest to return to Division One and next up is a trip to Langley Manor.