GOING UP ! Hook & Newnham Basics second team which clinched the County Division One runners-up spot with a crushing victory over Ropley. Back (from left): Jel (Groundsman), Ryan Connor, Martyn James, Alex Brown, Will Gardner, Josh Balcombe, Luke Simpson, Dave Moore (Groundsman). Front: Matt Buckingham, Ben Allnutt, Kev Light, Sam Bruin, Harry Warner.
Hook & Newnham Basics II will be playing Southern Premier League Division 3 cricket next season after seeing off a late challenge from Gosport Borough to seal the County Division 1 runners-up spot behind champions Parley.
They ended the season with a run romp, Matt Buckingham smashing 165 not out (seven sixes and 21 fours) and Harry Warner an unbeaten 100 (ten stylish fours) as they hit Ropley’s attack for 323-1. Martyn James and Josh Balcombe shared six wickets as Ropley folded to 78 all out.
Reflecting on Hook’s triumph, skipper Kevin Light said: “So pleased, County 1 is such a difficult league to get out of and we have shown signs over the last 4 years by finishing 4th and 5th that we could do it. We are really looking forward to playing in the SPL and also a local derby against Basingstoke II.
“The start to our season, beating both Parley and Gosport, was key and gave us belief this could be our year.
“The young lads in the team, in particular Josh Balcombe (24 wickets) and Will Gardner (16) have contributed massively. Apart from two teams we have bowled all of our opponents out.
“The experience of Ben Allnutt, Sam Bruin, Kish Parmar, myself and the odd appearance from the evergreen Colin Lye has created the right mix for a really competitive team. We also have some very good youngsters coming through our third who will make an impact next year in the Southern League.
“The success this club has had this year is phenomenal and built on the hard work of so many volunteers such as the chairman Keith Lovelock, the president Tim Sutcliffe, tea ladies and men, scorers and the ground staff who prepare a fantastic wicket every week.
“All this success makes the hard work worthwhile. A lot of clubs could learn from how Hook & NB CC go about its business on and off the field.”
They ended the season with a run romp, Matt Buckingham smashing 165 not out (seven sixes and 21 fours) and Harry Warner an unbeaten 100 (ten stylish fours) as they hit Ropley’s attack for 323-1. Martyn James and Josh Balcombe shared six wickets as Ropley folded to 78 all out.
Reflecting on Hook’s triumph, skipper Kevin Light said: “So pleased, County 1 is such a difficult league to get out of and we have shown signs over the last 4 years by finishing 4th and 5th that we could do it. We are really looking forward to playing in the SPL and also a local derby against Basingstoke II.
“The start to our season, beating both Parley and Gosport, was key and gave us belief this could be our year.
“The young lads in the team, in particular Josh Balcombe (24 wickets) and Will Gardner (16) have contributed massively. Apart from two teams we have bowled all of our opponents out.
“The experience of Ben Allnutt, Sam Bruin, Kish Parmar, myself and the odd appearance from the evergreen Colin Lye has created the right mix for a really competitive team. We also have some very good youngsters coming through our third who will make an impact next year in the Southern League.
“The success this club has had this year is phenomenal and built on the hard work of so many volunteers such as the chairman Keith Lovelock, the president Tim Sutcliffe, tea ladies and men, scorers and the ground staff who prepare a fantastic wicket every week.
“All this success makes the hard work worthwhile. A lot of clubs could learn from how Hook & NB CC go about its business on and off the field.”
Centurions Harry Warner (left) and Matt Buckingham leave the KGV to a standing ovation.