BASINGSTOKE and North Hants and Hook and Newnham Basics got off to winning starts in the NatWest Under-16 Indoor Cricket League at the Ageas Bowl.

Mikhal Saujani (3-20) did the early damage, clean bowling three Fair Oak batsmen before 13-year old Ben Smith helped Oaks post 106-5 with an unbeaten 56.

Smith’s valiant efforts were in vain as Ben Firrell (27) and George Metzger (25) guided Basingstoke to a four-wicket win.

Matt Taylor hit an unbeaten 40 and Alex Brown (24) helped Hook Hurricanes to 123-5, before spinner Charlie Neville struck with 4-13 to send Totton & Eling Tigers to 100 all out.