BOURNEMOUTH clinched a 51-run win over Basingstoke & North Hants at May’s Bounty – keeping alive their slim Division One title hopes.

The visitors won the toss and appeared to be motoring along nicely at 54 for one. But Luke Matthews, Jon Lombard and Chris Park then departed for the gain of just four runs.

Ryan Wiltshire (40) and Chris Bollom (28) steadied the ship before experienced captain Martin Miller dovetailed with the former to increase to 160 the visitors' total.

Lions' tail did not wag particularly vigorously but they were indebted to the hosts for providing them with 35 useful extras, placing them on 177.

In reply, Basingstoke felt the full force of opening bowler Andy Woodward as he took the wickets of Craig Williamson and Richard Vinn with just 19 runs on the board.

The home side recovered to some extent but runs were difficult to come by and Dom Clutterbuck recorded economical figures of four for 25.

Alongside Woodward, Matt Jones and Rob Pack claimed two-wicket hauls as Basingstoke were stopped in the 39th over.

William Phillips's knock of 24 made him the home side's highest scorer.