HOOK and Newnham Basics’ title hopes took a massive dent, as they lost to visiting Southern League Division One leaders Calmore Sports.

A victory for the Hook Army would have moved them right back into the frame, but the loss now leaves them two defeats behind the divisional top dogs.

Having been put into bat, Hook’s top order failed to fire for the second game running as they found themselves 117-7.

Richard Willcock (33) along with Rhodes Franklin (26 not out) moved the score to 140 and then Franklin and top scorer Anik Divecha (39) saw the home side reach 198-8 from their 50 overs.

Hook got amongst the wickets early on, thanks to Rupert Armstrong (1-37) and Ben Thane (1-31), but Ben Johns (46) and James Manning (49) added 74 for the second wicket, before an unbeaten 61 from Jack Rutter steered the leaders to victory with five overs to spare.

After two straight defeats, Hook travel to Liphook and Ripsley next weekend in the league, but before this game, today they are in T20 Cup action at home to Totton and Eling.