Oli James hit a competitive best 59 not out and shared a crucial late innings half-century stand with Jack Murrell as Hook & Newnham Basics edged a significant win over Southern Premier Division 1 rivals Portsmouth at the King George V Ground.
Hook were 102-4 in response to Portsmouth 219-9 when 19-year old James walked to the crease for what was to be the crucial knock of the day.
Hook were creaking at 165-7 after fellow youngsters Rupert Armstrong and Charlie Neville had each nicked a catch behind to wicket-keeper Sujeeth Daini off Reuben McArdle (2-22).
But James, playing only his sixth SPL game, and Murrell (22) turned the tide with a vital stand of 51 which took Hook to the brink of a two-wicket win, achieved with 13 balls to spare.
“It was an innings of real maturity from Oli and always pleasing when its made by a home grown player,” praised Hook chairman Keith Lovelock.
Earlier, Hook’s top order had all made starts, with Harry Warner (38), Josh Buckingham (25) and Harry Robson (20) making runs before Matt Buckingham made an important 37 in the middle-order.
Portsmouth got a decent launch from Fraser Hay (35) and Ben Duggan (30), while Dan Wimble (40) and Daini (37) made useful contributions alongside Joe Kooner-Evans (25).
Murrell took 3-51 for Hook before emerging from the shadows to play a crucial role with the bat.
Hook were 102-4 in response to Portsmouth 219-9 when 19-year old James walked to the crease for what was to be the crucial knock of the day.
Hook were creaking at 165-7 after fellow youngsters Rupert Armstrong and Charlie Neville had each nicked a catch behind to wicket-keeper Sujeeth Daini off Reuben McArdle (2-22).
But James, playing only his sixth SPL game, and Murrell (22) turned the tide with a vital stand of 51 which took Hook to the brink of a two-wicket win, achieved with 13 balls to spare.
“It was an innings of real maturity from Oli and always pleasing when its made by a home grown player,” praised Hook chairman Keith Lovelock.
Earlier, Hook’s top order had all made starts, with Harry Warner (38), Josh Buckingham (25) and Harry Robson (20) making runs before Matt Buckingham made an important 37 in the middle-order.
Portsmouth got a decent launch from Fraser Hay (35) and Ben Duggan (30), while Dan Wimble (40) and Daini (37) made useful contributions alongside Joe Kooner-Evans (25).
Murrell took 3-51 for Hook before emerging from the shadows to play a crucial role with the bat.