BASINGSTOKE and North Hants bounced back to winning ways in the Southern League Division One, as they won by 21 runs at Hambledon.

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat, but were soon in trouble as both openers Chris Froud and Dan Coombs were back in the pavilion with just 33 on the board.

The Bountymen recovered with the innings built around an excellent 60 from Andrew Niblett which came from 69 balls and included five fours and three sixes.

He was well supported by Craig Williamson (35) and Martyn James (20) as Basingstoke reached 193-6 from their 50 overs.

James then dismissed both openers with 26 on the board and Dan Coombs, who had replaced the injured Jarred Opperman after two balls, reduced the home side to 31-3.

Robert Akins (81) took the mantle, but thanks to a season’s best from Matt Thankachan (6-31) Hambledon were bowled out for 172.

The Bountymen will hope to keep their winning run going on Saturday, when they face bottom placed Fawley this weekend at May’s Bounty.

Meanwhile, the second team maintained top spot in Division Three as they won a thriller against visiting Portsmouth and Southsea.

The home side scored 217 with Lee Nurse their top scorer with 82.

Their Pompey visitors were then bowled out for 214 in the penultimate over as Brad Neal and Shay Bradley took three wickets each and Chris Chandler bagged a couple.

This weekend the leaders travel to bottom side Trojans.