BEMERTON Heath Har-lequins' Reserves claim-ed the Combination League title on Saturday, but not in the way they would have wished.

Jeff Softley's side travelled to Lymington & New Milton knowing victory would secure the club a first championship title in more than eight years.

However, a nervy performance resulted in a disappointing 3-1 reverse.

But with closest challengers Gosport Borough also slipping up at home to Bashley, 'Quins' could not be caught.

Softley said: "I think the nerves just got to us on the day.

"We had our chances. We hit the crossbar and the post, but it wasn't our day."

Heath's reserve team boss, who took over mid-way through the campaign after the departure of Brian LeBout-illier to Andover, paid tribute to his side's efforts throughout the campaign.

"This has been a great achievement for the club. There's a lot of good youngsters here and it's been a pleasure to be involved with them."

The team were due to receive the championship trophy ahead of Tuesday night's final fixture at Winchester City reserves.