BASINGSTOKE and North Hants moved back to the summit of the Southern League Division One after they won their top of the table clash at Calmore Sports, by seven wickets Going into the game the Bountymen trailed the leaders by 20 points, but finished the day level on points and went above the home side because they have beaten them twice.

Calmore unbeaten at home this season, won the toss and elected to bat and soon regretted their decision. Martyn James and David Griffiths reduced them to 25-9.

James again bowled one of the tightest spells in Southern League history as he conceded just eight runs for five wickets, as he bowled eight maidens in 10 overs.

At the other end, Griffiths chipped with 4-27, as the pair left Calmore reeling.

Having reached seven without loss, openers Mark Lavelle and Ben Perry were bowled respectively by James and Griffiths for ducks.

Michael Cook added just one run, before he was stumped by George Metzger for James’s second wicket.

With no addition to the score James Manning was then bowled by James.

James Rutter (0) and Ben Johns (1) added seven to the score thanks to extras, before wickets started to fall again, as Griffiths grabbed a couple bowling Rutter and then Liam Newton (0).

It then became 16-7 as Johns was trapped leg before by James.

James Rose (5) and Mike West (4) both hit the first fours of the innings, but then were soon out leaving the home side 25-9.

Final pair Dan Croft (23 not out) and Dom Ducellier (58) gave Calmore something to bowl at, thanks to a last man stand of 85, taking the score to 110.

Ducellier’s excellent knock of 53 balls, which included six fours and two sixes was ended when he was caught by Mitch Stokes which gave Ash Neal the final wicket.

Basingstoke chasing just over two an over, made a solid start as Dan Belcher (24) and Metzger (28) put on 33 for the first wicket.

Belcher being the first man out caught by Manning as Lavelle snapped up a wicket.

Metzger and Stokes (38) moved the score to 68, before skipper Stokes’ 30-ball innings which saw him hit five fours and two sixes was ended when he was trapped leg before by Rose.

Metzger and Chris Froud (11 not out) got the score into three figures, before Metzger was the final man out going leg before to Rutter.

It was left to Brad Neal and Froud to finish the job off in the 33rd over.

Next up for the Bountymen is a home game against Sarisbury Athletic next weekend.