BASINGSTOKE and North Hants secured a thrilling victory over Yateley to win their first piece of silverware in the club’s 150th year anniversary year.

In fact, the number 150 proved to be a lucky one for the Bountymen, who reached exactly that in the final of the Don Lynch Aylward Cup at May’s Bounty on Tuesday.

There was a nervous finale as Yateley finished on the same score, but Basingstoke won by virtue of losing fewer wickets.

Yateley needed 15 off the last over, bowled by Martyn James, and the skipper admitted that it did not look good when the first ball went over his head for four.

With two needed off the last ball, Yateley could only manage a single, finishing on 150-9 at the end of 15 eight-ball overs.

Earlier in the innings, Basingstoke’s Harry Smith produced his best-ever bowling figures of 5-45 to claim the man-of-the-match award.

This was after the Bountymen scored 150-7. Mitch Stokes led the way with 59, supported by James (34) and Brad Neal (29).

The victory saw Basingstoke reclaim the trophy, which they have now won four times in the last five years.

A delighted James said: “All of the guys did really well and it is nice to win it in our 150th year. Hopefully we can add the Guy Jewell Cup as well.

“Harry Smith really came of age, taking his first five-for in a cup final.”