BASINGSTOKE and North Hants second XI surrendered top spot in the Southern League Division Three, after a losing a thriller by one run at St Cross II.

The home side won the toss and elected to bat and after Harry Smith (2-48) took an early wicket, St Cross recovered thanks to Matt Haworth (45) and an unbeaten 52 from Harry Foyle as they scored 185-6.

Keith Harris was the top visitor's bowler taking 3-29.

Basingstoke got off to the worst possible start as Richard Vinn was dismissed for a duck, but Chris Froud (45) and Ben Julin (22) got the Bountymen back on track, but the middle order then failed to fire as they slumped to 96-6.

It was left to the tail to wag as Keith Harsham (27) and Chris Chandler (31) moved them into range.

Last pair top scorer Harry Smith (31) and David Pistorius (nine not out) added 38 and needed two off the final over to win the game.

Unfortunately, Smith was caught and bowled first ball as the Bountymen lost by a single run.

The side will look to keep their promotion push going on Saturday, when they entertain Lymington II.