ROWLEDGE came second best to a strong Hook & Newnham Basics side and, with two games to go, are locked in a relegation dogfight in the Southern Premier League Division One.

Hook chose to bat first, despite overnight rain, and openers Ben Thane and Josh Buckingham immediately took the attack to the bowlers, taking 18 off Joe Randall’s first over.

Ben Wish quickly turned to spin, but the home side raced to 104-0 before George Keeley and David Lloyd removed the openers, both caught sweeping – Buckingham for 54 and Thane for 48.

Sixteen-year-old slow left-armer Ollie Baker bowled an excellent spell in the middle overs, taking 2-32 off 10. Chris Yates and Keeley returned to take further wickets and Rowledge were back in the contest at 191-6.

However, Nick Willcock, having taken his time to get in, launched an aggressive counter-attack and plundered 20 off the final over to finish 75 not out, lifting the total to a intimidating 253-6.

Jake Wish went cheaply, but Nick Morant and Tom Treble looked comfortable against the seamers and took Rowledge to a promising 72-1. Kevin Poulter then got Morant for 38 and Anik Divecha snapped up two wickets, having dangerman Treble caught at slip for 30.

At 86-4, the game was getting away from Rowledge and the slump continued as Thane and Rhodes Franklin reduced the visitors to 124-7.

With Rowledge now looking for bonus points, Ian Metcalfe played a sensible but positive innings, looking to take on the spinners and play his characteristic sweeps. Keeley supported him in a partnership of 47 until he was undone by the returning Shane Brewer.

Metcalfe was caught off the same bowler for 61 – a good innings under the circumstances – and, two balls later, it was all over as Yates fell lbw to Brewer (3-31). Rowledge all out for 182 and time will tell if three batting points proves vital in the quest to stay up.

Rowledge need to beat both Calmore and Liphook – both at home – to give themselves a fighting chance of keeping their Division One status.

• Rowledge 2nd XI look to be safe from relegation in Hampshire County One after beating Hythe & Dibden by 19 runs and collecting 23 precious points. Sam Marshall was Rowledge’s hero with a superb 120. Rowledge II 256-8; Hythe 237-8.