NEWLY promoted Basingstoke and North Hants seconds got off to a winning start in Southern League Division Two, as they beat visiting Langley Manor by 20 runs.

Having been put into bat the Bountymen started well as Chris Froud (29) and Scott Dyer (35) put on 67 for the first wicket.

A superb 82-run fifth wicket partnership between Bradley Neal and Toby Albert, saw

Neal hit a fine unbeaten 69 from 64 balls, which included one six and five fours, and Albert (44).

In the end, Basingstoke were all out for 214 from their 50 overs.

The visitor’s reply did not get off to the best of starts, as Ryan Connor (3-41) had opener Tony Spencer caught first ball.

The Manor recovered to 87-2, but then slumped to 112-6, as Matt Thankachan (2-22) and Rakitha Perera (2-39) got amongst the middle order.

Skipper Chris Chandler (2-26) finished off the job as Langley Manor were all out for 194.

Basingstoke seconds are away at St Cross Syms second XI on Saturday, while the first team entertain the St Cross first team at May’s Bounty.

Their game yesterday was cancelled at New Milton, as their pitch was still to wet to play on.

They are in action today in the ECB Club Championship at Totton and Eling.