BASINGSTOKE and North Hants slipped down to sixth in the Southern League Division One table, after a two wicket defeat at OTs and Romsey.

Bountymen captain Mitch Stokes won the toss and elected to bat, but his side found it tough going.

The visitors were soon 42-4, as only opener Chris Froud (40) made it into double figures.

Martyn James (14), Max Harsham (13) and Chris Jolley (12) were the next best scores as Basingstoke were bowled out 125 in the 44th over.

This left the visitors needing early wickets and opening strike pair Martyn James (2-29) and Graham Porter (2-25) did not disappoint.

Charlie King was trapped leg before by Porter and fellow opener Peter Newman was caught behind, as James struck and home side struggled to 19-2.

It got no easier for OTs as their first five batsmen were back in the pavilion with just 42 on the board.

It was left to Stuart Shapland (29) and Keith Trodd (23) to spearhead a recovery and then Jody Brown with an unbeaten 17, made sure of victory with just seven balls remaining and eight wickets down.

The Bountymen will hope to bounce back to winning ways next weekend, when they face seventh placed Andover this weekend.

Basingstoke’s second team moved up to third in the Division Three table, after a two wicket win over visiting St Cross Syms II.

The home side won the toss and elected to field and bowled St Cross out for 173.

The Basingstoke wickets were shared around, with two each for Chris Chandler, Scott McGaughrin, David Pistorius and Ashley Neal.

McGaughrin also ran out the visitor’s top scorer David Orchard for 48.

The home side’s reply was built around an excellent 63 from George Chaffer, with good support from Richard Vinn (31).

After a collapse in the middle order, it was left to experienced duo Lee Nurse (24 not out) and Chris Chandler (13) to steady the ship, before Nurse and Neal finished off the job with 15 balls to spare.

This coming weekend the side are on their travel to Lymington II.