BASINGSTOKE and North Hants will be keen to build on an excellent performance when they entertain Rowledge at May’s Bounty this Saturday.

Last weekend, the Bountymen hammered lowly Totton and Eling by 134 runs to keep their Southern League Division One title hopes alive.

Rowledge have lost their last three games and when these sides met earlier in the season, Mitch Stokes hit a fine 139 as Basingstoke scored 286-8, which proved too much for Rowledge, who were bowled out for 136.

Stokes was in fine form again last weekend, making 99. Craig Williamson also starred with the bat, reaching 94 as the Bountymen reached 306-7, their biggest score of the season so far.

The home side were then bowled out for 172 as Basingstoke took maximum points from the game to keep pressure on leaders New Milton and Hook and second-placed Newnham Basics.

The only down side from the game was the fact that spinner Rakitha Perera suffered a broken finger while fielding, so he will miss this weekend’s game against Rowledge.

His absence leaves Basingstoke skipper Chris Froud with a dilemma as seamer Graham Porter is available.

If he would like to play an extra fast bowler, Porter could come in for Perera. However, Dave Pistorious could earn a recall if Basingstoke decide to keep playing with two spinners.

Even if he decides to recall Pistorious, Froud is still likely to recall Porter, who was excellent in the win over Hartley Wintney, with Chandler expected to make way.

Looking ahead to Basingstoke’s next game, Froud said: “The team are full of confidence after the win over Totton.

“It was a really good flat batting track so we knew needed a score in the high 200s.

“We are expecting a much tougher game against Rowledge this time around.

“They were not at their best last time we played them.”