CAPTAIN Richard Locke’s innings of 60 proved the difference between the sides in a low scoring match as Portsmouth beat visiting Basingstoke and North Hants.

The visitors were bowled out for just 118, as Fraser Hay (4-40) and Vikram Dawson (3-25) were the chief wicket takers and then Locke made sure leaders Portsmouth maintained their perfect start to the season.

The Bountymen were soon in trouble on the south coast, having won the toss and decided to bat.

Openers Chris Froud (0) and Mitch Stokes (13) were back in the pavilion with just 16 on the board.

Max Harsham (16) and Dan Belcher (16) helped the score to 40, before Harsham was bowled by Hay and Ben Julin followed soon after as Dawson took his first wicket.

Top scorer Dean Nurse (21) and Martyn James (20) got the Bountymen into three figures, but the visitors were all out soon after for 118.

In reply, Portsmouth lost the early wickets of Jack Marston (0) and James Christian (2) thanks to Martyn James (2-24).

Locke and next best scorer Hay (18) steadied the ship with a third wicket stand of 39.

Ashley Neal (2-15) removed Hay and then fifth man Harry Collier with the addition of 11 runs.

It was left to Portsmouth skipper Locke, with the best innings of the match by far, as he stayed at the centre for 106 balls and hit 11 fours to make sure of the win.

When he was finally out caught by Neal off the bowling of Julin, the home side needed 19 for victory, which they did losing just one more wicket.

The Bountymen will hope to bounce back to winning ways next weekend, when they entertain Liphook and Ripsley, but today, they are at Bashley in the T20 Cup.