A freak catch six minutes from stumps (and the end of the final hour of play), which cost skipper Joe Oates his wicket, denied Basingstoke & North Hants the chance of battling out a draw against ECB Southern Premier League leaders Bashley (Rydal) at May's Bounty.
A share of the spoils was Basingstoke's best hope after dropping to 174-8 in response to Bashley's powerful 277-6, but Oates (27) and Richard Vinn (16 not out) produced a fine rearguard action.
Surrounded by Bashley fielders, they showed great technique to battle it out for 14 overs and lift Basingstoke's score to 217.
Two deliveries into spinner Jacob Gordon's 55th over Basingstoke were beaten - Oates drilling a full-blooded shot to Josh Digby at point, the fielder grabbing a catch when it rebounded off his shoulder.
Last man Abhijeet Saranath was trapped leg before wicket by Gordon's next ball to spark wild celebrations as Bashley clinched a 60-run win to keep them top of the table.
Earlier teenager Alex Bovil (55), looking well organised at the crease, scored his second half-century in three weeks, but only Ash Neal (35) provided any significant support before the middle-order came and went.
Bashley's innings was built around left-hand opener Ben Walker (98), who contrived to get himself dismissed in the nineties for the second week running. He made 93 at Alton last week.
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