Q: What do you get if you cross the passion for scoring runs of Jonathan Trott with the intensity of Steve Bexfield?

A: Josh “I never edged it, honest!” Hook

Josh Hook has emerged as one of the bright young things of Offley & Stopsley, progressing through the ranks of the Colts to securing a regular berth in the 1^st team. A determined opening batsman, Hook scored his maiden half-century for the club against St Joseph’s in 2010 and has since developed into a reliable presence at the top of the order.

Although he has been prepared for stardom under the expert tutelage of Darren Lunney, Hook is a mini-version of Offley& Stopsley legend Steve Bexfield. Hook and his mentor are both intense characters at the crease and share a common conviction that they are never out unless the stumps have been rearranged – and even if they have been it was probably a no ball anyway.

Unlike Bexfield, Hook has proved that he can catch the ball, often showing impressive composure when confronted by a catch and emerging as a reliable back-up wicketkeeper.