BASINGSTOKE and North Hants captain Mitch Stokes is looking for his batsmen to get amongst the runs this weekend, when Andover are the visitors to May's Bounty.

The Bountymen batters really did not show up, in last Saturday's defeat at OTs and Romsey, as the visitors lost by two wickets.

Only Chris Froud struck around as Basingstoke were bowled out for 125 and despite a really good bowling performance the home side won with eight wickets down and with seven balls to spare.

Stokes said: "Once again we gave away our wickets cheaply and the batsman have to apply themselves better.

"We felt we could have defended 170, but 125 was always going to a tough task."

Graham Porter is unavailable for the north Hampshire derby game, but Stokes has yet to decide a replacement.

Looking ahead to the game, the Basingstoke captain said: "We are back home and know the wicket and Romsey's was very low and slow. Obviously we are looking to turn in much improved performance."

At Romsey, Stokes won the toss and elected to bat, but his side found it tough going.

The visitors were soon 42-4, as only opener Chris Froud (40) made it into double figures as they were al lout for 125.

This left the visitors needing early wickets and opening strike pair Martyn James (2-29) and Graham Porter (2-25) did not disappoint as their first five batsmen were back in the pavilion with just 42 on the board.

It was left to Stuart Shapland (29) and Keith Trodd (23) to spearhead a recovery and then Jody Brown with an unbeaten 17, made sure of victory with just seven balls remaining and eight wickets down.