BASINGSTOKE and North Hants failed to break their recent run of defeats in the Southern League Division One, as they were beaten by visiting Bournemouth by four wickets, as they got home with three balls to spare.

Due to rain the match was reduced to a 33 overs-a-side contest, with the visitors winning the toss and deciding to bowl on a damp pitch.

The Bountymen’s top order once again failed to fire as they slumped to 68-5.

The bottom half of the order did better as Matt Thankachan (26) and Martyn James (20) helped the home side to 140-9 from their 33 overs.

The Dorset outfit’s reply started well, but then an excellent spell from Ryan Connor (3-15), saw them slip from 50-1 to 65-4.

It was left to opener Ben Bridgen (53) and Jake Hurley (33 not out) to share a match winning sixth wicket partnership worth 48, which left Bournemouth just three runs short of victory.

This weekend, Basingstoke are at home again, when they face a visit from bottom side Hursley Park.

Basingstoke’s second team also lost at Alton II by three wickets, Dean Nurse and Bradley Neal both scored 48 in the Bountymen’s all out total of 224.

The home side due to the rain were given a revised total of 216 off 46 overs, which they reached losing seven wickets, The second team this week are on their travels to mid-table Waterlooville.