The party went on long into the night for the players of Hangleton and Knoll.

They had plenty to celebrate after bringing to an end four years of failure with their first ever victory.

Their historic victims were Southwick Thirds, beaten by eight runs in division three of The West Sussex League.

Fast bowler Terry Dyke, who claimed two vital wickets, was delighted.

He said: "Normally everyone trudges off home after we have been beaten, but this time we went to the pub and celebrated .

"The players were on their mobiles telephoning family and friends, it was quite a night.

"We are going to frame the league table because that win means we are about halfway. We are happy with that and want the season to finish now.

"We even batted out our 45 overs for the first time."

Hangleton have been in existence for four years and had never been anywhere else but bottom of the league. Their best results have been a couple of rain-affected draws.

Dyke added: "We almost won a couple of years ago, chasing 197 for victory, but collapsed to 163 all out."

While not wishing to diminish Hangleton's achievement, it should be pointed out Southwick's bowlers gave them a huge helping hand.

Over 30 wides contributed to a Hangleton total of 132-9 with other contributions coming from Sean Kenne (19) and Kim Ahmed (19).

Southwick then lost both openers for two, recovered to 100-6, but were eventually dismissed for 124, Ahmed taking 3-17, David Brown 3-23 and Dyke 2-37.

West Blatchington are next up for Hangleton today and Dyke said: "We are hoping to continue our winning run."