BASINGSTOKE and North Hants seconds remain in the Southern League Division Two relegation zone after losing at St Cross II by 59-runs.

The home side chasing promotion won the toss and elected to bat and it looked a good decision as openers Jason Laney (38) and Steven Hirst (27) put on 73 for the opening wicket.

They were parted thanks to the first of three wickets for Greg Donaldson and soon after Mitch Stokes trapped former Hampshire star Laney leg before.

It was left to Jack Middleton with a fine unbeaten 91 to keep the innings going and St Cross finished on 218-7 as Scott Dyer picked up two late wickets.

The Bountymen’s reply got off to a solid start as Josh Coombs (34) and Josh May (26) put on 53 for the first wicket.

Then Josh and Callum Coombs (13) took the score to 84 and from there is all fell apart and suddenly the visitors were 98-7.

Josh Weir (36) and Harry Smith (19) got the score to 140, but in the end the Bountymen were bowled out for 160.

This Saturday, they face a crunch home game against bottom side Langley Manor.