Southampton Royal British Legion cribbage player Ben Strangward dedicated his Ted Richards Memorial Shield victory to his friend and teammate Ken Ratel.

Strangward lifted the individual accolade and the British Legion club finished as Division Three runners-up, claiming the Farminer Trophy and promotion.

Ratel, who passed away in June, was a major part of their success last season.

And as the team went to collect their trophies, including one for their absent friend, at the Southampton & District Social Clubs League Presentation, they devoted their triumph to him after he lost his battle with cancer two months ago.

They placed ribbons round his trophy as a mark of respect.

“This is for Ken,” said team member Donna Reeves.

“He played a big part in our team.”

The team comprises of Strangward, John Sullivan, Sharon Sullivan, John Sullivan junior, Bob Bourne, Terry Byworth and Michelle Byworth.

Strangward was pleased with his individual victory.

“It’s the first time I’ve won it,” he said. “It’s a really good moment for me and the club.

“It was a hard-fought victory.

“We’ll be going up a division after finishing runners-up in the league, so it will be a good challenge for us.”

Strangward beat B Smith from St Denys Conservative 5-2 in the best of nine legs competition.