BASINGSTOKE and North Hants second team’s promotion hopes were dented as they lost at Havant IIs by 51 runs.

Richard Hindley with a fine unbeaten 87 scored over half of home side’s runs as they made 169-9.

Chris Chandler (3-28) and Keith Harris (2-31) did most of the damage with the ball, in a very tight bowling display.

Ben Julin (31) top scored in the reply, before Chris Jolley (15) and Lawrence Benge (11) moved the score to 90-4.

At this point it all went wrong as Max Carter (3-36) aided by Hindley (2-21) reduced the Bountymen to 90-8.

From here there was no way back even if Harry Smith hit a spirited 17 at number nine, the visitors were all out for 118.

Basingstoke have a really big game this Saturday when they entertain fellow promotion contenders Fair Oak.