HOOK and Newnham Basics lost by five wickets at Hambledon in the Southern League Division One.

The south Hampshire venue has never been a happy hunting ground for the visitors and this proved to be the case once again.

It was no surprise when the home side won the toss they decided to bowl, but openers Ben Thane (13) and Jordan Hobday (31) got them off to a decent start.

Unfortunately the middle order was then ripped out by Ian Turner (5-5) and Zanzima Pongolo (3-40).

Hook made some recovery thanks to top scorer Spencer Champ (35) and Josh Buckingham (33) who hang around as they added to the total.

Kevin Poulter (11) was the only other batsman to make it into double figures as the visitors were bowled out for 173.

Hook gave themselves a chance as Champ (1-36), Glen Williams (2-18) and Ben Thane (1-23) made early erodes into the Hambledon batting line-up.

However, half centuries from Pongolo (53) and James Marshall (57) saw their side home with nine overs to spare with a winning score of 174-5.

This week, Hook face a visit from winless Fawley.