HOBOS go into the final day of the Hampshire Cricket League County Division Three North season knowing that a win will probably see them claim the title.

The north Hampshire side sit atop the table going into the final round of fixtures after beating hosts Steep by 120 runs on Saturday. As a result, they will travel to mid-table Hursley Park II on Saturday knowing that a win will almost certainly wrap up the title.

Tulia Junaid made 72 as visiting Hobos reached 274-8 at Steep, with the hosts being bowled out for 154 in reply.

Hobos' title hopes were given a helping hand by third-placed Hook and Newnham Basics III, who inflicted a first defeat of the season on previous leaders Fair Oak II.

James Peacock made an unbeaten 68 as Hook reached 208-7, while Keith Lovelock, Steve Cates and Sean Edwards all took three wickets as Fair Oak were dismissed for 161.

The other three north Hampshire sides in the division suffered defeats. Overton were unable to defend 225-9 at home to Alton III, losing by three wickets.

Things were even worse for AWE Tadley and Hartley Wintney II, who both lost by nine wickets. AWE were bowled out for 95 by visiting OTs and Romsey III, while Hartley were skittled for just 69 by hosts Michelmersh and Timsbury.

Hook and Newnham Basics II slipped to sixth in the Division One table after losing by five wickets away at Ropley, being bowled out for 177.

There was more bad news in Division Two, with Basingstoke and North Hants III and Old Basing both losing.

Darren Turner top-scored with 51 as Basing were dismissed for 202 away at Hungerford, who went on to win by seven wickets.

Longparish smashed their way to a massive 388-4 against Basingstoke, who were dismissed for 177 in reply, losing by 211 runs.

It was also a bad day for Oakley and Whitchurch in Division Four North.

Oakley lost by 101 runs away at Mottisfont. Clive Welsman hit 61 but they could only make 151 in reply to the hosts' total of 252-4.

Whitchurch welcomed local rivals Andover III, bowling the visitors out for 180. However, that proved to be a good score as Whitchurch were dismissed for 105 in reply, losing by 75 runs.