BASINGSTOKE and North Hants second team’s Southern League Division Three title hopes were dented, as they lost to visiting bottom side Hursley Park.

The leaders were put into bat at May’s Bounty, and made a solid start thanks to Richard Vinn (33) and Chris Oliver (31). The pair put on 50 for the first wicket.

Number three Callum Coombs then top scored with 37 and there were other useful knocks from Matt Deadman (28), Andy Neal (20) and Chris Jolley (34), but nobody went on to make a big score so in the end the home side were all out for 230.

The visitors found May’s Bounty to their liking as Luke Deacon (11) and Joe Theobald (58) enjoyed an opening stand of 42.

This was followed by a second wicket partnership worth 62, between Theobald and Paul Marks (24).

Harry Smith (3-44) dismissed both Theobald and Marks, but unfortunately Matt Branford (67) and Lee Wateridge (31) took the visitors to 211.

Despite then losing a couple of wickets, they still managed to win the game by five wickets and with seven overs to spare.

Next for the Bountymen, is another home game with Gosport Borough this coming weekend.