Hook fighting for survival after defeat against Totton

Its cast them 14 points adrift at the bottom ahead of the resumption of the ‘white ball’ 50-over matches on Saturday, when Hook host Havant – the first of five critical games on which their immediate future will lie.

Hook have been new to all-day cricket this season and they’ll be glad to see the back of it after suffering six defeats in nine ‘time’ games, only two of which they won.

READ MORE: Hook lose to South Wilts despite valiant effort from debutant Rupes Armstrong

Bournemouth toppling league leaders South Wilts last weekend was a blow for Hook, who are 14 points behind the Dorset club and 11 adrift of Burridge, whom Josh Buckingham’s side visit on Saturday week, August 13.

Max Simpson celebrated his maiden SPL five-wicket haul, taking a creditable 5-23 off 13.5 overs as Totton built their 181 around Hampshire prospect Fletcha Middleton, who hit two sixes and seven fours in his 47 (40 in boundaries) and James Taylor (50), who has scored over 400 runs this season.

Hook batted steadily enough at the start of their reply, with Josh Buckingham (28) and Sam Bruin (24) easing the score to 82-2 – but the visitors’ middle-order folded against former Berkshire all-rounder Harry Stephens (4-53) and Brighton Mugochi (3-40).

Three wickets fell at 92 and a seventh at 109 leaving Jack Murrell to hit an unbeaten 31 and lift the final total to 167, Simpson having offered useful tail end support.

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