HOOK and Newnham Basics captain Matt Love says that his side will be taking nothing for granted when they host local rivals Hartley Wintney on Saturday.

Love’s team have made the perfect start to the Southern League Division One season, boasting a 100 per cent record from their opening four games.

They sit second in the table, a single point behind leaders New Milton, and confidence is high in the camp going into the first of two successive local derbies.

Hartley make the short trip down the A30 on the back of their first win of the season, beating visiting Calmore Sports by 48 runs on Saturday to move up to seventh in the table.

It looks set to be a tough season for the village side, who were promoted back to the division at the end of last season.

They have a good team when they can get all of their first-choice players on the field, but their squad lacks strength in depth.

However, Love is fully aware of the threat posed by Hartley, a side he knows well, and is expecting an intense and closely-fought game.

“Regardless of form, anything can happen and we respect them as a side,” the Hook captain said.

“We play a lot of local derby games now, so that shouldn’t really be an issue, but Hartley have some really good players and we know they are dangerous.

“On paper, we will be favourites, but we have been in this league long enough to know that anyone can beat you if you are not at your best.

“We were glad to see Hartley Wintney come up because we enjoy playing against them," he added.

“They have got some good players that we really respect, so we are not expecting an easy afternoon by any means.”

Having got their first win of the season last weekend, Saturday’s game takes on even more significance for Hartley as they bid to climb the table.

Captain Jamie Teale said: “It’s a massive game and we always look forward to playing against Hook.

“There’s always a lot of banter, a lot of fun, and the games are usually very close.

“Last weekend’s win was massive for us.

“After losing three on the bounce, getting a win will hopefully carry us forward in a positive way.

“Now we have to link up a few wins and move up the table.”

Hartley will be boosted by the return of all-rounders Scott Baldwin and Chris Saville.

Both players missed the win over Calmore and will improve their bowling attack, which has been stretched in recent weeks.

Hook will be without left-arm spinner Kevin Poulter and could also miss batsman Matt Buckingham.

Saturday’s game is the first of two derbies in as many weeks for Hook, who make the trip to Basingstoke and North Hants the following week.

Having so many local games could be seen as a disadvantage for all three teams, but Love does not view it in that way.

“I think it is exciting for the area more than anything else,” he said.

“It’s special to play these big games against Hartley Wintney and Basingstoke and North Hants.

“We would rather play against Basingstoke or Hartley than anyone else, because we all know each other, going right back to playing as youngsters, and we get on well.”

Visit basingstokegazette.co.uk/sport for live text coverage of Saturday’s big game at the King George V Playing Fields.