BEN Thane returns for Hook and Newnham Basics as they travel to Southern League Division One leaders New Milton this Saturday.

Thane was missing from the line-up as Hook took on Andover last weekend, in a game which was abandoned in the seventh over, after heavy rain was followed by thunder and lightning at the King George V Playing Fields.

At the time, Hook were 19-1 and it now means they have only completed one home fixture out of five so far this season.

One of these was on the opening day of the season, when New Milton did not even make the trip to Hook due to a flooded pitch.

They will travel to face a New Milton side who have five out of five this campaign.

The leaders have bowled their opponents out for less than 130 in every game, restricting three teams to scores below 100.

Hook will hope they can buck this trend and with Thane back to open the batting alongside Jordan Hobday, who looked in good nick against Andover, this should be possible.

Hook captain Matt Love said: “Last Saturday was very disappointing for us as we need time out in the centre and this is not happening at the moment.

“We know our bowling and fielding is good at the moment and once our batting line-up hits form, we will be a match for anyone.”

He added: “We expect a tough game at New Milton, but having won our last away game at Hursley Park, it would be nice to follow that up with another victory.”