BASINGSTOKE and North Hants face a crunch Southern League Premier Division basement battle at May’s Bounty this Saturday, when Alton are the visitors.

Their north Hampshire rivals have lost all their opening six games this summer leaving them routed to the bottom of the table, while the Bountymen have won just once in five outings.

Their only victory coming in their last game at May's Bounty, when they beat reigning champions St Cross.

On that day they managed to score over 200, but last Saturday at Bashley once again the top order failed to fire, as they were bowled out for 121.

This week they will be minus the unavailable Jordan Hobday and captain Ben Thane is looking for his batsmen to get some runs him included.

Thane said: "As a batting unit we are not just doing it and we fell at least 60 runs short of a target we could defend at Bashley. The top order need to start scoring runs and that includes me.

"Last week, I was hit on the thigh pad and took my left hand off the bat. The ball hit my glove that deflected it onto the stumps. So I hope I am not so unlucky this week and I can lead by example"

On Sunday (3pm), Basingstoke entertain Langley Manor in the first round of the T20 Cup.