HOOK and Newnham Basics beat last season’s champions Calmore Sports by three wickets and with four balls to spare.

The visiting innings got off to the worst possible start as opener Michael Cook was removed without a run being scored by Shane Brewer (2-29).

The visitors then got the scoreboard going and an excellent century from James Manning helped them to 227-7.

As well as Brewer, Richard Willcock and Harry Warner both took two wickets each.

The Hook reply started badly as Jordan Hobday was removed with only 18 scored.

This saw captain Matt Love (62) join Willcock (56) and the pair set about building the platform for victory, as they put on 124 for the second wicket.

Love was the second man out bowled by Mark Lavelle, but thanks to Willcock, Matt Buckingham (15) and Rhodes Franklin (10) the home reached 197-5.

It was left to the returned Josh Buckingham from injury with an unbeaten 30 to see them home.

This coming weekend, Hook travel to champions elect Bournemouth.