BASINGSTOKE and North Hants returned to winning ways in Southern League Division One, as they beat visiting Hursley Park by six wickets at May’s Bounty on Saturday.

The home side won the toss and put the visitors into bat and their innings was led by opener Tom Tennant (68), supported well by Chris Wheeler (25) and Matthew Mettam (23) as they scored 184-9 from their 50 overs.

Opening Bountymen bowlers Martyn James (1-26) and Dan King (0-18) kept things tight, while spin twins Dave Pistorius (3-34) and Matt Thankachan (3-35) took most of the wickets.

Richard Vinn (32) and top scorer Mo Rizwan got the home side off to a good start with a stand of 61 for the first wicket.

Rizwan and Dan Coombs added another 66 for the second wicket as Basingstoke took a grip of the game and in the end got home with eight overs to spare as they reached 186-6.

Opener Rizwan finished unbeaten on 70 and in his 87-ball knock, he hit three fours and two sixes.

This week, the Bountymen are on their travels to Hook and Newnham Basics.

There was no joy for Basingstoke’s second XI as they suffered an 89-run defeat at Waterlooville.

The home side thanks to Warren Ekstraal (123 not out) and James Scutt (98) scored a massive 315-3 from their 50 overs.

Rakitha Perera (1-29) from his 10 overs was the only bowler, not to hammered to the boundary.

In reply, the visitors were soon in trouble at 48-4, but skipper Chris Chandler (67) and Max Harsham (39) helped Basingstoke reach an all out score of 226.

This weekend, they are home to Tichborne Park.