HOOK and Newham Basics III just missed out on victory in a high scoring contest at South Wilts III in Hampshire League County Division Three North.

The home side posted 252-5, with Steve Cates (3-55) the pick of the bowlers.

Hook opener Joe Allnutt (82) and Will Joyce (45) led the reply, which fell just short as they were all out for 250.

Hartley Wintney II also suffered defeat, as they were bowled out for 183 against Steep as they tried to chase down 199 after Daniel Bowden took 4-45.

Overton’s Andy Galvin starred with both bat and ball as he helped his side to a 34-run victory over visiting Hursley Park II.

Galvin hit 70, supported by Dave Pitt (40), which helped the home side to 208-9. He then excelled with the ball as he took 5-25 and Nick Tomlin 3-20 as the visitors were bowled out for 174.

In Division One, Andrew Darmody (61) and Sam Bruin (58) were unable to stop Hook II losing at Ryde as they lost by 16 runs chasing 229 for victory.

Basingstoke and North Hants III enjoyed a seven-wicket win at Easton and Martyr Worthy after they bowled the home side out for 120 in Division Two as Andy Neal took 4-19.

Old Basing were not so lucky as they were bowled out for 103 and lost by nine wickets at Longparish.

Promotion candidates Hobos and AWE Tadley kept their hopes alive as both won in Division Four North.

Second-placed Hobos enjoyed a three-wicket success at Winterslow. The home side were bowled out for 154 as Ali Mutaz starred with 6-25 and then Imbrad Ghouse continued his excellent recent form with an unbeaten 85.

AWE Tadley enjoyed a 62-run success at Wherwell as Alex Davies hit a half century in their winning score of 175-9.