Glover calls time on captaincy as Portslade miss out on league title

Paul Glover has stepped down as Portslade captain

Portslade missed out on the Sussex League Division 3 East title on a dramatic final day on Saturday.

The club’s fate was in their own hands heading in to the final round of fixtures as they held a slender three point advantage over Burgess Hill.

Portslade knew a 30-point victory on the final day would be enough to see them crowned champions. However, Glover’s side went down by three wickets at Seaford and then faced an anxious wait to see if they would be crowned champions.

When news finally filtered through it was not good, Burgess Hill had beaten Brighton & Hove's 2nd XI to pip Portslade to the title.

Glover said: “Myself and all the boys were absolutely gutted Saturday but that’s cricket, it can be cruel at times. I’m really proud of how the guys reacted after the game and we stuck together really well which shows what a great group we have at the club.

"It wasn’t a great day for the club in general, our 2nd XI were relegated and we’re still waiting to hear the fate of our 3rd XI but the atmosphere when we all gathered back at the club was fantastic, which wouldn’t happen elsewhere.

“I have made the decision to step down as captain after six years in charge. It’s been an honour to captain my childhood club and I’d like to thank everyone who has played for me and the committee for the support I have received.

“I’d like to give a special mention to Anne Nickolson who has not only scored for me, but also helped massively with all the general matchday runnings for the past six seasons. The club has come so far and I hope whoever takes over can continue to push us forward.”

Opener Thomas Batchelor (68) hit a half-century and an important innings from number ten Andrew Mamoany (20 not out) helped Portslade post 199-9 from their 45 overs.

A game Portslade needed to win to lift the title was in the balance and the hope was the bowlers would take them to league glory.

Despite Tom Nickolson’s (3-27) best efforts, Seaford chased the total down.

Oli Carter smashed a crucial half-century (64) while skipper Oliver Smith weighed in with 34 as Seaford reached 200-7 with three balls remaining.

Portslade were now hoping Brighton & Hove 2nd XI could overcome Burgess Hill and hand them the title. But Burgess Hill were six-wicket victors to seal the league title on what was a tense final day.

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