BASINGSTOKE and North Hants were beaten by six wickets in their Southern League Premier Division basement battle at Bournemouth.

The Bountymen won the toss and decided to bat but lost both openers Ben Thane and Josh May with only 10 scored.

Max Harsham (33) and top scorer Brad Porteous (66) set about rebuilding the innings as they put on 72 for the third wicket.

Tom Robinson (3-23) dismissed Harsham, before Porteous and David Griffiths (3) took the score into three figures.

Edward Denham removed both men leaving the visitors on 121-5.

The returning Jordan Hobday (44) and Brad Neal (41) took up the mantle as they put on 70 for the sixth wicket.

They were then parted by Robinson and along with Simon Woodruff (3-46) they accounted for most of the tail, as Basingstoke finished on 223-9 from their maximum 64 overs.

This was thanks to Chris Jolley coming in at number nine and hitting a quick fire 13 from 10 balls.

The Bournemouth reply did not start well as Porteous (2-53) caught and bowled Luke Matthews and Luke Webb caught behind by Lawrence Benge.

At 9-2 the home side looked in trouble, but opener Nick Park (73) and Adam Davies (84 not out) took over with a match winning partnership of 124.

A couple of quick wickets from Ash Neal (2-42) saw him have Park caught thanks to brother Brad and then he trapped Ben Bridgen (7) leg before which made it 147-4.

However, from there Davies and Denham (43) steered their side home to victory with three overs to spare.

Next for the Bountymen is a tough looking game at home against title chasing South Wilts, who bowled Alton out for 44 yesterday.