DARREN Cowley celebrated his first victory as captain of Lymington – but was left to rue missing out on a maiden SPL century.

Cowley led from the front as Lymington made light work of chasing Hampshire Academy’s 179, the Larks romping home by eight wickets.

However, victory was a bitter-sweet experience for the 35-year-old Dorset star who was the victim of a debatable decision when he was on 92.

Umpire Steve Locke judged Cowley to have been trapped in front by Rob Gibson, his vintage 93-ball stay, which included 14 fours and one six, ending in disappointing fashion.

“It was a bad decision but the umpire apologised afterwards,” said Cowley. “I got a thick inside edge on the ball but he said he hadn’t seen or heard it.

“I was more disappointed at not getting my first Southern League century than I was about getting out.

“It is a monkey on my back that I would like to get rid of.”

Spinners Glyn Treagus (3-23) and Craig Ervine (3-18) helped restrict the young Royals after Jacob George and Oliver Green had put on 58 for the first wicket.

In reply, Treagus (24) and Cowley both looked in fine form before their opening stand of 105 was broken following a careless run-out.

However, after Treagus had departed, Cowley was joined at the crease by Ervine, the Zimbabwean Test star showing his class with a stylish and unbeaten 46.

“It was a good team performance,” said Cowley. “We were positive with the bat and it was a great result.”