HARRY Mitchell confessed he “loved every second” of his time as Weymouth captain after deciding to step down from his role at the Seasiders.

Mitchell, one of the youngest captains in Dorset, spent five seasons at the helm from 2018, taking charge of 70 matches and winning 38.

He led Weymouth to promotion to County Division One in his first campaign in charge and amassed 1,167 runs, 106 wickets plus 32 catches as skipper.

Mitchell is widely credited with leading Weymouth through one of the most challenging periods in the club’s history – and the off-spinner spoke of his pride in captaining the Redlands side.

He told Echosport: “I’ve loved every second of it. It’s been a massive honour, even when it’s been difficult to get players in and with the struggles of captaincy.

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“With work commitments, starting a new job, it’s going to be tough to carry on. I think it’s time to let someone else give it a good go.

“I’ll still be there to support the boys, I’ll be there the majority of the summer in a playing capacity.

“I’ll be looking to enjoy my cricket again because it’s been tough. I love the club.”

And Mitchell described his growth as a captain having come into the role in his early twenties.

“I came in and it was all very new to me, the first-ever side I’d captained in any sort of cricket,” he said.

“I was learning on my feet, off the older guys especially Browner (Simon Browne).

“The highlight was definitely the first year and being promoted on the last game. On our presentation night, halfway through the awards, we found out we’d got promoted by a point.

“It was an unbelievable feeling.”

He added: “Highlights along the way are seeing people develop, especially younger guys, seeing personal achievements from guys, top scores, things like that. It’s been special to be a part of.

“The guys I’ve had have been great, we’re a really close group now. Some of my best mates are in this team, I enjoy playing on Saturdays and playing for Weymouth Cricket Club.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure and it will continue to be so.”