BASINGSTOKE and North Hants seconds kept alive their hopes of avoiding the drop to Southern League Division Three with a six wicket win over visiting Waterlooville.

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat and were bowled out for 168.

Keith Harris was the chief wicket taker with 3-29, while Micky Vinn took 2-43.

There were also wickets for Harry Smith, Scott Dyer, Keith Harsham and Josh Coombs.

Former first team skipper Mitch Stokes was back in action and returned a tidy 10 over spell which yielded just 18 runs.

The home side’s reply did not get off to the best of starts as Josh May went early, but after this the side stringed together some useful partnerships.

Coombs (21) and Steve Bucksey (34) put on 58 for the second wicket.

Captain Dyer (32) and Richard Vinn (31 not out) added 56 for the fourth wicket taking the score to 132.

It was left to Vinn and Stokes (28 not out) to complete the job.

This Saturday, Basingstoke are away at promotion chasing St Cross seconds.