His side have been a solid force all season, and sealed their return to the top division with a game to spare on Saturday.

And Hartley paid tribute to the acheivement, insisting that Reading have risen to the top in the correct manner.

“We’ve done it the right way,” he said. “We’re delighted but what makes it more pleasing is that we’ve done it in what is a substainable way.

“A number of clubs have gone out and bought players, paid them and it isn’t always appropriate at this level of cricket.

“But we’ve done it a different way and got local players in that want to play together at a decent level of cricket.

“I think there were six players playing on Saturday that grew up with the club and you know they want to play which helps you long-term to achieve success.

“It’s a friendly rivalry but it’s always nice to get one over on Finchampstead as well.”

Hartley won the toss for Reading and put the hosts in to bat on a sunny day in Finchampstead.

And it instantly proved an inspired decision as Sukhi Kang (2-23) struck twice in quick succession to remove Finch openers Adam Dewes (0) and Matthew Jones (3).

Jack Beaven (3-20) then took the first of his wickets to remove Harry Stephens (8) and Reading seemed well on course for promotion with the hosts on 17-3.

The arrival of Dan Marles (40) to the crease did calm things down as he built a 50-run partnership with William Rogers (24), but Hartley trapped the latter LBW to spark another mini-collapse as two further wickets fell to take Finch from 67-3 to 71-6.

Marles was still at the crease and continued his stubborn resistance and was ably supported by Tipene Friday (17*) to help the hosts past 100 but Hartley finally struck to remove Marles and pave the way for Reading to wrap up the Finch batting line-up.

The tail end was removed with minimal fuss to leave Hartley’s men needing 121 for promotion.

Praful Waghela (53) followed up his magnificent 169* the previous week to get Reading off to the perfect start, and they never looked back as they cruised to their target with few problems along the way.

A couple of wickets fell in quick succession when Stephens (1-39) had Waghela caught, and Friday (1-45) dismissed Amardeep Dosanjh for just one run, but Martin Andersson (23*) and Curran Gaur (27*) helped push the visitors to their total inside 17 overs, with seven wickets remaining.

Reading host Cove on Saturday (12.30pm), where a victory would see them promoted as champions if Horspath fail to win.

HCPL fixtures for Saturday, September 6:

Division One: Banbury v Harefield; Gerrards Cross v Oxford; Henley v Burnham; High Wycombe v Slough; Tring Park v Aston Rowant.

Division Two: Amersham v Finchampstead; Falkland v Chesham; Great & Little Tew v Dinton; Reading v Cove; Shipton-Under-Wychwood v Horspath.