A FINE all-round performance from Ali Muntaz helped Hobos to secure promotion from Hampshire Cricket League County Division Four North.

Hobos went into their final game, against visiting Andover III, knowing that a win would guarantee the top-three finish they needed, and Muntaz’s knock of 76 helped them to an imposing total of 292-8.

The same player then took 4-30 with the ball as Andover were bowled out for 172, with the 120-run victory enough to earn the hosts second place in the final standings and a place in Division Three North next season.

AWE Tadley just missed out on the top three, but could still be promoted if one of the sides above them is unable to go up. They ended the season fourth after beating Mottisfont by 17 runs, restricting the home side to 175-9 after being bowled out for 192.

Hook and Newnham Basics II suffered a three-wicket defeat in their final Division One game of the season. Matt McNally made 56 for Hook as they reached 177-9, but visiting Gosport Borough were able to knock off the required runs.

Jarred Opperman’s excellent haul of 5-35 was unable to prevent Basingstoke and North Hants III going down to defeat away at Hungerford in Division Two. The visitors were restricted to 156-7 and despite Opperman’s efforts, Hungerford got over the line to win by four wickets.

Old Basing also suffered defeat, going down by six wickets at OTs and Romsey II. Darren Bell made an unbeaten 75 as Basing reached 154-9, a total they were unable to defend.

Whitchurch were relegated from Division Three North despite winning their final game at home to South Newton. The visitors were restricted to 171-9 and while Whitchurch got home for a two-wicket win, it wasn’t enough to move them out of the bottom three.

Rex Porter guided Hartley Wintney II to an eight-wicket victory over visiting Michelmersh and Timsbury. Jonathan Kerr took 6-28 as the guests were dismissed for 196, with Porter hitting an unbeaten 77 to see Hartley over the line.

Overton and Hook and Newnham Basics III both lost. James Peacock’s 87 was in vain as Hook failed to chase down visiting Steep’s score of 241-8, losing by 27 runs. Andrew Galvin hit 60 as Overton made 175, but visiting St Cross Symondians staggered over the line, winning by a single wicket.