BASINGSTOKE and North Hants second XI remain on course for the Southern League Division Three crown after a thrilling win at Havant II.

Rain saw the game in south Hampshire reduced to a 42 overs-a-side contest and the Bountymen won by one wicket with four balls to spare.

The home side batted first scoring 157-6 with Josh McCoy (45) and Oliver Jones (52 not out) being Havant's top scorers.

Basingstoke bowlers Chris Jolley and Chris Chandler both took two wickets each.

The Bountymen's reply did not start well as they slipped to 33-3, with Chris Oliver scoring 15 of the total.

It soon became 76-5 with Callum Coombs (15) and Chris Jolley (10) the next two men out.

It was left to Richard Vinn to be the hero, with an excellent 56 and by the time he departed the visitors had reached 143.

It was left to final pair Rakitha Perera (14) and Keith Harris (2) to see the Bountymen home with four balls to spare.

Basingstoke will continue their quest for the title on Saturday, when they face lowly Alton II on Saturday.