BASINGSTOKE and North Hants booked their place in the second round of the National Club Championship thanks to a five wicket win over visiting Sussex side Middleton.

This nook the Bountymen an away tie with Hampshire rivals Havant in round two.

The home side won the toss and put the Middleton into bat and Martyn James (3-21) made early erodes as the home side reached 50-3.

They then recovered as the Sussex side's skipper Sean Heather (94) and Jamie Thompson (76) helped the side pass 200.

They were then both dismissed by Basingstoke's new player/coach Dave Griffiths (2-42) as they finished on 236-6 from their 45 overs.

The home reply, did not get off to a good start as opener Daniel Belcher departed with only eight on the board.

Fellow opener Joe Oates (33) and Chris Oliver (26) added 90 for the second wicket helped by a number of extras.

Will Phillips (33) kept the scoreboard ticking, as did the extras, with 45 wides conceded during the game.

It was left to Dean Nurse (59) and Griffiths (27), who shared a sixth wicket stand of 52 to steer Basingstoke to victory, with four overs to spare.

The previous day in a friendly encounter, the Bountymen were bowled out for 134 against visiting Sunbury, as Chris Jolley top scored with 35.

The visitors then took just 28 overs to reach their total, as Elliott Shaw top scored on 60 in an eight wicket win.

This Saturday, Basingstoke continue their build-up to their Southern League Division One league opener at home to Ventnor on Saturday May 6, with a visit from Andover, who were promoted last season from Division One. The game starts at 12.30pm.