HIMBLETON Cricket Club skipper Stuart Dickenson is standing down after two successful years at the helm.

The villagers ended their season with a 10-wicket thrashing at the hands of neighbours Droitwich Spa.

But the Meadow Boys finished comfortably outside the drop zone in Worcestershire League Division Two after the previous year's promotion.

They were fourth from bottom and will now await their placing after the county competition's restructure ahead of next year.

Dickenson said: “We achieved what we set out to do in our first season in Division Two — compete, avoid relegation and enjoy our cricket.

“We beat the sides that finished third and fourth, gave the top two a fright and apart from the last game never failed to compete.

“I’m extremely proud to have had the privilege to lead this team.

"Individually everyone has progressed and as a team we’ve become stronger and had a load of fun in the process.

“It’s a real shame Ali Pretty fell five short of 1,000 runs this season.

"But with five hundreds and four 50s with an average over 60 he can look back with satisfaction on a wonderful season.

“The planning for next year starts now and we’ll be looking to build on our progress under a new captain.

"Hopefully we’ll also attract a few new players over the winter too.”