HOCKEY: SALISBURY Hockey Club's men's first team's hopes of avoiding relegation from Hampshire Division One are now out of their hands after they failed to win their final game of the season.

Victory away at Southampton would have ensured a fourth from bottom finish and guaranteed another season in the division.

However, their 3-2 reverse means they must now rely on Basingstoke avoiding defeat against London Wanderers on Saturday in the league above.

Salisbury were in fine form during the early stages and were unfortunate not to have opened up a three or four goal lead.

Yet they fell behind after an innocuous run from midfield saw a Southampton player run unhindered into the D. He evaded three poor tackles before tucking the his shot inches inside Tim Green's right hand post.

Salisbury responded immediately with Andy Grandfield netting at the second attempt after Adie Rigg slipped the ball to him following a short corner.

The second half saw Salisbury push players forward. However, Green had to be alert to make a number of saves after he was left exposed to Southampton's counter attacks. But Salisbury's courage was rewarded when James Whittle ran fully 40 yards with the ball before firing into the roof of the net.

With 15 minutes to go, Salisbury were still threatening, but failed to polish off their opponents. They paid the price when the home side equalised four minutes from time and then another short corner produced their winner.

Skipper Dan Dines has ann-ounced he is to stand down after three years in charge. Meanwhile Adie Rigg revealed he has played his last first team game ahead of the birth of his second child.

The club enjoyed its annual end of season presentation dinner at Salisbury & South Wilts Golf Club on Saturday evening. Players' player of the season awards went to Lyndsey Smith (ladies first team), Jenna Tait (seconds) and Jo Crow-ley (thirds). Tim Green picked up the men's first team award with Jav Jaffer (second team), James Palmer (thirds) and Tom Spencer (Swifts) also among the honours.

Jan Baker received the President's Award for services to the club both on and off the pitch.