BASINGSTOKE and North Hants seconds got their Southern League Division Three campaign off to a good start with a three wicket win at Hursley Park.

Having won the toss the home side decided to bat and Chris Jolley (2-35) removed opener Neil Jackson for eight.

Hursley recovered thanks to Joe Theobald (32) and top score Matt Pile (44), before they were parted by Basingstoke top bowler in the game Ashley Neal (3-40).

Pile and Matt Branford (37) kept the scoreboard ticking over, with Kevin Harris bowling Pile and then Branford was caught behind by Chris Oliver as Brad Neal snapped up a wicket from the 12 balls he bowled.

Some late big hitting from Oli Green (40) helped the home side to 198 all out, as Chris Chandler (2-38) returned taking late wickets.

Openers Max Harsham (21) and Andy Giles (25) got the visitors off to a great start with a half century stand for the first wicket.

Both were then out in the space of a run and at 60-3 with Brad Neal also gone they looked in trouble.

Wicket keeper batsman Oliver proved to be the match winner with a superb 76 from 96 balls, which included three sixes and five fours.

He shared a sixth wicker stand worth 73 with Callum Coombs (23). When Oliver finally departed the score was 176-7.

It was left to Chandler and Ashley Neal to guide the side to victory with an over to spare.

The seconds are away again next weekend, when they travel to Gosport Borough.