BASINGSTOKE and North Hants were unable to sign off their home Southern League Premier Division campaign with a victory, as they were beaten by 144-runs by visiting Havant.

Having lost the toss the visitors were put into bat and set about becoming the first team this season to post a 300 plus score.

Opener Stuart Ransley led the way, scoring 115 in 133 balls which saw him hit 13 fours and one six.

He was supported well by Harry Gadd (72) and Richard Hindley (84) as they batted Basingstoke out of the contest, as they finished on 318-4.

David Griffiths (2-47) was the chief wicket taker with Micky Vinn and Max Harsham getting the others.

In a much-changed batting line-up the Bountymen were soon in trouble as openers Harsham and Andy Giles departed with just five scored.

Chris Froud (27) and Griffiths (18) were the only players in the top six to get into double figures.

It was left to Ashley Neal (25) and top scorer Greg Donaldson (59) which included seven sixes, to make sure the home side made it into three figures.

The pair added 67 for the seventh wicket, but after that the home side lost their remaining three wickets for seven runs being bowled out for 174.

Today, Basingstoke are in Finch Group Guy Jewell Cup action when they face Hartley Wintney at May’s Bounty in a game which starts at 2.30pm.