BASINGSTOKE and North Hants’ hopes of bouncing back to winning ways in the Southern League Division One, were dashed by heavy rain on Saturday afternoon at May’s Bounty.

The home side looked to be building a nice total with Max Harsham and Ben Julin unbeaten in the centre, when the rain arrived at 3pm and an hour later the game was abandoned against visiting Andover.

The Bountymen’s captain Mitch Stokes won the toss and elected to bat with the outfield still damp from overnight rain.

Mike Adams (2-13) struck early with a wicket in his third over as Basingstoke opener Chris Froud (11) was caught in the slips by Andover skipper Ali Hooper.

Adams then struck gain to reduce the home side to 29-2, as he bowled Dan Belcher (6) in his final over of the game.

Belcher’s replacement Stokes lasted just four balls, before he was caught at mid on by Daniel Foy to give James O’Gorman the last wicket of the game.

This brought Australian Julin to the centre and along with Harsham, they shared an unbeaten stand of 57, before the rain halted play after 28 overs, with Basingstoke on 89-3.

The Aussie finished unbeaten on 34 and looked in good form. He sent the first ball from Glyn Treagus sailing over the boundary and did likewise with a delivery from Matt Hooper in his final over.

As well as his two maximums, he also hit three fours in an excellent 46 ball knock.

At the other end Harsham finished not out on 30, as he twice found the boundary rope in his 80 ball stay at the centre.

Talking after the game, Stokes said: “It is a real shame the rain came, as we were doing well. I decided to bat first as the outfield was still a little wet and I felt it would be easier for us to bowl with the drier ball.” The Bountymen will hope for better weather next weekend, when they travel to bottom side Totton and Eling.