ROWLEDGE did well to total 203 after losing Nick Morant to the first ball of the game, but their mostly spin attack lacked the penetration to make serious inroads into Basingstoke’s powerful line-up.

The trio of Martyn James, Mitchell Stokes and former Alton man Will Phillips gave very little away with their accurate swing and seam. Sushant Balajee fell to Phillips for 22 and when Joe Randall was dismissed by Joe Oates for 32, Rowledge needed to rebuild.

Sam Moseley and David Lloyd, both quick to attack when offered width, put on 95 for the fourth wicket and the visitors began to leak extras under pressure.

Eventually, skipper Stokes, formerly of Hampshire, returned to dismiss both batsmen leg before – Lloyd for 32 and Moseley for 50.

The other batsmen failed to capitalise on a healthy position and from being 160-3 after 40 overs, the home side were all out for 203 in the final over, Stokes taking 3-21 in his 10 overs.

Rowledge contained the openers, but missed chances proved costly. Dan Belcher, particularly good on the drive, and Craig Williamson put on 79 before George Keeley was rewarded for a tight spell. The slow left-armer bowled Belcher and then had the dangerous Stokes caught by Balajee.

The bowlers were now being backed up by sharp ground fielding and Basingstoke were having to work hard for their runs. However, with wickets in hand, it was the visitors’ game to lose.

Williamson was finally caught off Balajee for an excellent 94, but Richard Vinn (44 not out), now partnered by Phillips, saw Basingstoke home with eight balls to spare.

Rowledge travel to Sarisbury, the SPL Division One leaders, this weekend without all-rounders Lloyd and Chris Board.