SIBONELO Makhanya hit his maiden century for Basingstoke and North Hants, but it was all in vain as the Bountymen lost at leaders South Wilts by 70 runs.

Visiting skipper Mitch Stokes won the toss and put the home side into bat and Jack Mynott (68) and Tom Norton (45), shared an opening stand of 84.

Stokes (3-74) got amongst the batting order, but James Hayward (84) and Will Wade (21) as they added 85 for the fourth wicket and in the end South Wilts declared on 290-6 from 60.5 overs.

This left the Bountymen needing 291 from 60 overs to win and they were bowled out for 220 with eight balls left to earn a draw.

Makhanya finished with a superb unbeaten 111, which came from 91 balls and included 13 fours and one six and opener Ben Thane made 53. Luke Evans (5-42) was the chief wicket taker,

This Saturday, the Bountymen entertain bottom side New Milton. This is the sides first meeting as the season opener was cancelled as their pitch was still flooded.

Basingstoke will be minus the Neal brothers Brad and Ash, so Craig Williamson and Matt Thankachan come in.

Stokes said: "We want to get back to winning ways and on paper it looks easy, but this a banana skin game and we must treat New Milton with respect."