Rupert Armstrong smashed three sixes off the last nine balls he received only to finish an agonising two runs short of a maiden Hook & Newnham Basics century against Southern Premier Division 1 rivals Ventnor at the KGV.

He blazed 20 runs off the final over of Hook's innings bowled by former New Milton captain George Watts, spriting four two's in addition two big sixes, but needed a boundary off the last ball to bring up his magical hundred, writes Mike Vimpany.

Armstrong waded into the KGV action with Hook already handily placed at 79-3 after starts by Harry Warner (43) and Charlie Neville (49).  He went on to hit five maximums and five fours in his 98 not out, adding a lively 53 with Oli James (27).

Hook went on to post 275-8 and bowl Ventnor out for a disappointing 116, Lewis Watts taking 3-22 and Armstrong completing a fine day's work with 3-26.

Hook seconds were thrashed by nine wickets at Fawley, where Jaiden Hall (59) and James Watterson (47) top scored in a 185-7 total which was overhauled with 24 overs to spare.