Basingstoke & North Hants cricketer George Metzger has been hit with a seven-match ban by the ECB Southern Premier League, which means he will not be able to play competitively for the town club again until early August at the earliest.

His suspension follows the issue of a Level 4 disciplinary charge on the young batsman/wicket keeper during Basingstoke's two-wicket win at Lymington on June 8.

Metzger, who was previously banned for five matches by the SPL in 2021, has also been given  an additional three game ban suspended for two years, i.e. until July 2026.

He began his seven-match ban when Basingstoke played - and beat - Havant at May's Bounty on Saturday.

Lymington wicketkeeper Rob Hemmings, served with a Level 2 charge on June 8, has been suspended for two matches and will miss the club's upcoming games against Havant and the Hampshire Academy.

Basingstoke all-rounder Brad Neal served a one-match ban against Havant on Saturday and is clear to play in next Saturday's Academy visit.