CHARLIE Neville carried his bat through the entire innings as Hook and Newnham Basics chased down a Rowledge total of 196-7 to win their Southern Premier League Division 1 match by three wickets with 23 balls to spare.

He hit only two fours in an undefeated 58 off 127 deliveries, but was relieved of any pressure when Rupert Armstrong (45) and Jack Murrell (27 not out) each hit the ball out of the ground three times.

Earlier, Murrell and Lewis Watts set about hitting an excellent length in helpful School Road seam bowling conditions but, after Max Martin had fallen early on, Jonty Sebborn (47) and Ollie Baker (34) added a gutsy 71 for the second wicket.

Just as the pair fought through the tricky conditions, the spin of Anik Divecha (4-29) did not allow the Rowledge score to gain momentum. Divecha blitzed through the middle order and set Rowledge back as they looked to be positive. A determined Rowledge didn't give up and through Olly Ryman (40 not out) and Australian Justin Felsch (38) ensured the hosts posted a competitive 196-7.

Rowledge got off to a great start when Hugh Croft took a smart catch off Olly Ryman, and then Max Martin had player/coach Usman Ijaz caught behind by Ben Wish to leave Hook 42-2. Aussie spinner Justin Flesch settled into a teasing spell, and got just reward by removing Matt Buckingham.

The aggressive Armstrong (45) partnered Neville in a stand of 83 for the fourth wicket and Hook were in the driving seat at 150-3 after the second drinks break.

Martin (5-26) rattled Hook with four wickets in ten balls, including Armstrong and Josh Buckingham to celebrate a maiden SPL five-wicket haul.

Hook still needed 40 with three wickets left when Murrell smacked 29 off 19 balls and get the visitors across the line.