BASINGSTOKE and North Hants’ new overseas star South African Sibonelo Makhanya took three wickets on his debut, to help them to a six-wicket victory over visiting Lymington.

It was newly promoted Basingstoke’s first ever victory in the Southern League Premier Division and moved them off the bottom and up to seventh in the table.

Bountymen skipper Mitch Stokes won the toss and put the visitors into bat and they were soon in trouble, as Ben Rogers departed with just 18 on the board.

Lymington found it hard to score quick runs against the home bowlers, but Dominic Hand (18) and Ryan Scott (42) did put on 58 for the second wicket, before both were dismissed by Stokes (2-27) from his 10 over spell. Hand being caught by Josh May, the first of five catches for the wicket-keeper.

Makhanya (3-37) then joined the attack taking out the middle order along with Ashley Neal, who bowled a mean 2-16 from eight overs.

Only Matthew Metcalfe (36 not out) survived and at 114-8, it was not looking good for the visitors.

However, Metcalfe and Josh Proctor (28) added 60 for the ninth wicket, before the returning David Griffiths (2-22) polished off the tail, with Lymington being all out for 174.

After the early loss of Dan Belcher (4) with only 10 scored, Ben Thane and Stokes set about building a winning score for the Bountymen.

The pair shared a 114-run second wicket partnership, which was finally ended when Proctor bowled Thane for 53 from 70 balls, which included eight fours.

Makhanya came in and hit a quick fire 13 from 10 balls to take the score to 146-3.

Stokes was then the fourth man out, as his excellent knock of 70 was ended after 52 balls. During this time, he hit the only six of the innings, as well as 12 fours.

It was left to Bradley Neal and Craig Williamson to see the Bountymen home to victory.

Next Saturday, they entertain unbeaten league leaders Burridge at May’s Bounty.