HOOK and Newnham Basics lost out in a thriller at Southern League Division One leaders New Milton, as the home side maintained their 100 per cent record with a one wicket victory.

The visitors put into bat found life hard on a damp track with only the returning Ben Thane (50) able to get to grips with the bowling early on.

Number seven Matt Buckingham (32) recorded the next best score, as Hook were all out for 125, in the 45th over.

However, it was the second highest total New Milton had conceded this season.

The home side looked to be cruising to victory at 100-3, but then top scorer Nick Park (39) was dismissed by Kevin Poulter (3-24).

New Milton’s Nick Elliott (32) took up the mantle and got his side one run from victory, when he was dismissed by Shane Brewer (3-15) to leave the score on 124-7.

The Hook bowler struck again next ball as he bowled Ashley Collison and a single saw the game tied with the home side having two wickets left.

This became one, as Dan Loader was caught behind by Josh Buckingham, but New Milton got over the finishing line to win by one wicket.

The tough games continue for Hook as they travel to new second-placed side Sarisbury Athletic this weekend.

Rain won the day in the other two games in the Southern League as Hartley Wintney’s Division Two trip to Sparsholt lasted 10.4 overs, before play was halted.

The visitors had made a good start being 59-1 with Danny Plume 29 not out.

Despite the game being abandoned, Hartley moved up to third in the table after Portsmouth slipped to fourth and were replaced in second place by Calmore Sports.

This weekend, Hartley are on the road again to Rowledge.

Division Three leaders Basingstoke and North Hants IIs also saw their game abandoned at St Cross Syms II in the ninth over.

By this time the home side had made 43-2, as Chris Chandler and Jarred Opperman snapped up a wicket each.

This Saturday, Basingstoke entertain lowly Portsmouth and Southsea at May’s Bounty.