It’s win or bust for bottom-of-the-table team Hook & Newnham Basics, who will be all but mathematically relegated from the ECB Southern Premier League if they lose at Burridge on Saturday, 12.30pm.

They head south to Fareham’s western wards 27 points adrift of Burridge knowing that only a win in the ‘white ball’ contest will keep their hopes of survival alive.

But they’ll leave the KGV with heads held high after putting in a ‘huge’ performance in their last 50-over ball game against Havant – and with spirits lifted by Sunday’s Premier League T20 victory over Alton.

“The lads gave it absolutely everything against Havant, eventually losing by five wickets after posting a healthy 251-9. No one could have asked for anything more, with Havant’s experience, as much as anything getting them across the line,” said Vince Gardner, Hook’s cricket manager.

“Beating Alton in a superb T20 cup tie was just the tonic the boys needed after losing to Havant. It brought smiles back on people’s faces.”

Hook will have been disappointed to allow the sound start Josh Buckingham (73) and Harry Warner (30) built get away from them – 116-1 becoming 122-4 as Chris Stone (6-42) began to create inroads with his spin, which has now claimed 20 league wickets this term.

Matt Buckingham (31) and Charlie Neville (27) rallied, but it was largely due to Rupes Armstrong (34 not out) and Jack Murrell (26) that Hook reached 251-9.

Peter Hopson (57) steered Havant to 79-0, but then three wickets fell in quick succession putting Hook right back in the game.

Harry Gadd seized the initiative withy a near century partnership with Basingstoke-raised George Metzger (38) putting Havant back on course.

Hook refused to lie down, but Gadd’s unbeaten 86, aided by the experience of Richard Hindley (32 not out) eased Havant home by five wickets with nine balls to spare.

But Hook are through to the T20 semi-finals after a gripping seven-run win over Alton in front of a decent KGV crowd.

Hook’s 181-7 was centred around a blistering knock by Sam Lockwood, who hit two sixes and seven fours in a sparkling 62.

Harry Robson (31 not out) and Josh Buckingham (29) did their bit before a key last over by Harry Warner contained Alton to 174-6, Dan Harris having made a fine 61, alongside Mike Heffernan (29) and Bash Walters (29 not out), who crucially lost the strike at the end.

Hook second are back in the Division 2 drop zone after a 72-run defeat at leaders Hambledon coincided with Bashley (Rydal) II reviving their fortunes with two big wins.

Hook were mauled by South African run gun Matt De Villiers, who chalked up his 1,000th league run with 102 of Hambledon’s 217.  Will Gardner (32) and Ollie May (28) helped Hook limp to 145 all out.

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