JOSH Buckingham was the star of the show as Hook and Newnham Basics reclaimed second place in the Southern League division two table.

The young batsman made an unbeaten 72 to guide his side to a vital three-wicket victory over Rowledge, Hook’s main rivals for second spot.

Rowledge began the day just ahead of Hook in the table but things went well from the off for the visitors, who won the toss and asked their hosts to bat.

Hook took wickets at the right times throughout the Rowledge innings and bowled tightly, reducing the home side to 222-8, with the returning Anik Divecha taking three wickets.

The visitors’ reply got off to a sticky start and they were 92-4 at one stage, but a partnership of 77 between Ross Hunter (49) and Buckingham steadied the ship, before it was left to the youngster to finish the job.

Captain Ben Thane said: “Josh Buckingham batted superbly and he and Ross Hunter really won us the game with a big partnership.

“It was always a score we felt capable of chasing. All of the bowlers kept it tight and Richard Willcock’s 10 overs in the middle of the innings were crucial, while Anik Divecha also bowled really well.”

Next up for Hook is a home game against sixth-placed Hambledon. Thane’s men won by three wickets when the sides met earlier in the season, while Hambledon have lost their last three completed fixtures – but Hook are without several key men.

“We want to consolidate second with another win on Saturday but we have got a few people missing,” Thane said.

“Spinner Kevin Poulter has had a knee operation and will be out for a few weeks, while we will also be without wicket-keeper Ross Hunter and all-rounder Chad Ratnayake.

“We want the second team to win their league so we don’t want to decimate their side and might call up a couple of third team players.”