SOUTHERN League Division Three leaders Basingstoke and North Hants's second team were knocked off the top, as they lost at third placed Bashley seconds by 22 runs.
The home side won the toss and decided to bat and their total of 248 was built around an excellent century partnership between Tom Gates (64) and Chris Vaughan (76).
George Pardoe also chipped in with valuable 59, while Ash Neal 3-55 was the chief Basingstoke wicket taker.
The visitors certainly gave themselves a chance of victory, when they reached 124-3 thanks to some solid batting from opener Keith Harsham (40), Callum Coombs (37) and Matt Deadman (38).
Scott Dyer batting at number five then top scored with a 52-ball 52, but it was all in vain as the Bountymen fell short of their target finishing on 226-8.
This Saturday, the seconds are at home to Fawley and then a week later they complete their campaign with what they hope will be the title decider against Waterlooville.
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