BASINGSTOKE and North Hants and Hartley Wintney both won through to the quarter-finals of the Southern Electric t20 Cup yesterday.
The Bountymen claimed a nine-run win over hosts OTs and Romsey, while Hartley sprung a surprise, beating Andover by 10 wickets.
Andover play their cricket in Southern League Division One, a level above Hartley, but the visitors were far from overawed.
They bowled incredibly tightly to dismiss Andover for just 71, a total that openers Jack Hersh (27) and Ari Karvelas (43) chased down in just eight overs.
Basingstoke's victory over Division Two OTs was a much tighter affair.
Batting first, captain Craig Williamson top-scored with 32 as the Bountymen reached 125-6 from their 20 overs.
OTs got off to a poor start, with Martyn James taking 3-15 during his spell, but number seven batsman Robert Newman smashed his way to 58 to give his side a shout.
Spinner Williamson took the vital wicket, having Newman caught by James, and OTs were unable to get over the line, finishing their 20 overs on 116-8.
Both sides face away games against Premier Division sides in the last eight this Sunday. Hartley travel to Lymington, while Basingstoke face a daunting trip to holders and league leaders South Wilts.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here