Hook & Newnham Basics set up cup final against Ventnor

By Mike Vimpany

Matt Buckingham (left) and Harry Warner (right), who hit half-centuries in Hook & Newnham Basics’ Village Cup win over Hambledon. <i>(Image: Contributed)</i>

Matt Buckingham (left) and Harry Warner (right), who hit half-centuries in Hook & Newnham Basics’ Village Cup win over Hambledon. (Image: Contributed)

HOOK & Newnham Basics will face Ventnor in the national Village Cup county final at the KGV on Sunday, June 4, after a nervous two-wicket semi-final win over Hambledon, writes Mike Vimpany.

It looked as though Hook would cruise past Hambledon’s 223-4 when Harry Warner (81) shared a century opening stand with Tom May (49) and then put on 87 with Matt Buckingham (55). But, after reaching 193-2, the innings imploded with five wickets falling for 18 runs.

But from an uneasy 211-7, Hook scrambled across the line, while spinner Jonty Oliver took 3-60.

Hambledon’s total was built around George Marshall (77), who enjoyed partnerships with brother James (22) and Oliver (23) before Henry Glanfield hit an enterprising 49 not out, including two huge sixes.

Ventnor have reached the Hampshire final without playing a single match, all three of their scheduled opponents conceding ties instead of travelling to the Isle of Wight.