LEADERS Hook and Newnham Basics continued their reign at the top of the Southern League Division One, after a thrilling three-run victory over visiting Portsmouth.

The home side made 244-7 with the visitors finishing on 241-9.

It did not start well for the home side who decided to bat.

Last week’s century hero Richard Willcock made just one and both openers were out with only 18 on the board.

Harry Warner (18) and skipper Matt Love (55) then added 69 for the third wicket, before Warner was bowled.

Love and top scorer Matt Buckingham (68), kept the scoreboard going, with an excellent fourth wicket stand of 75.

Alex Brown then added 34 and Rupert Armstrong’s quick fire 11 saw the home side reach 244-7 from their 50 overs.

After the early loss of Jordan Palmer-Goddard, Portsmouth set about chasing down the total as opener Ben Duggan (75) and Jack Marston (25) added 119 for the second wicket.

However, the pair were gone in the space of 11 runs, thanks to Rhodes Franklin (3-47).

He bowled Marston and then had Duggan caught by Matt Buckingham.

Portsmouth were still in the hunt at 223-6, but two wickets from Willcock (3-38) reduced them to 228-8.

Shane Brewer then returned to snap up Rueben McArdle, before the visitor’s last pair Paul Hungerford (24 not out) and Ethan Randell just fell short of their target.

Next up for the leaders is a trip to fifth placed Sarisbury Athletic.