HOOK and Newnham Basics vice captain Glen Williams remains in charge this weekend and he is hoping his side can bounce back after a distastrous day with the bat against visiting Rowledge in Southern League Division One.

Former Old Basing and Hampshire Academy star Ryan Murray (2-21) accounted for prized scalps Ben Thane and Nick Willcock as Hook slumped to 35-3 chasing Rowledge’s total of 224.

Wickets continued to tumble as they were eventually bowled out for 74, with Josh Buckingham the top scorer with 19 – just ahead of extras on 17, with Richard Willcock the only other player to make double figures.

A reflective Williams said: “I think it was a good toss to win on a dusty pitch and we didn’t bowl badly, but they got a lot of luck.

“It was only a 160 to 170 track so 224 looked a big ask at the halfway point.

“We just did not apply ourselves with the bat and kept losing wickets. At the moment, it seems that if we lose, we get hammered.

“With the batting, it might be the fact that the top three have scored the bulk of runs, so the guys at four five and six either come in with eight overs left or the first two overs of the game.”

This weekend, Hook travel to Fawley and will be keen to complete the double over them this season.

Earlier in the campaign at the King George V Playing Fields, visiting Fawley made 229-9, with Williams the pick of the bowlers (3-28).

The home side’s three-wicket win was built around an excellent 121 from opener Thane as they got home with six balls to spare.

They will still be without skipper Ross Hunter and fellow wicket-keeper Buckingham is also out, so Joe Allnutt takes over the gloves this weekend, while another batsman will be drafted in from the second team.

Looking ahead to the clash, Williams said: “We have five games left and it would be good if we can win three. Fawley is certainly one we feel we have a chance in.”

On Sunday, Hook will take on the England Visually Impaired team coached by Hook skipper Ross Hunter in a t20 game.

They will be playing to their format in a game which starts at 11am and anyone is welcome. The club’s facilities will be open and there is also a barbecue.