BASHLEY saved their best until last to retain top-flight status at the weekend.

Captain Andy Sexton described Saturday's resounding nine-wicket victory over Alton as his team's finest performance of a difficult campaign, although he admitted it had been a long time coming.

Going into Saturday's Southern Electric Division One clash, Bash knew they could still get relegated if they lost and Hursley Park won by a significant margin.

But any chance of that disappeared almost instantly as the New Forest outfit demolished Alton's batting line-up.

The Alton card made very sorry reading indeed, with openers Michael Heffernan (11) and Ryan Hale (17) the only men to reach double figures.

The innings lasted just 18 overs, with Alton managing a paltry 59 all out in the face of some brilliant Bashley bowling.

Kevin Nash led the way with four for 24, while Matt King (3-17) and Ben Nolan-Stone (3-9) also took the opportunity to enhance their averages.

That left Bash with the simple task of chasing 60 to win, which they did in the eighth over for the loss of just one wicket.

Dorset star Glyn Treagus remained unbeaten on 13, with Nolan-Stone completing a fine personal effort by smashing 38 off just 14 deliveries.

"There were probably a few question marks over their batting but I was very pleased with the way we finished the season," said Sexton.

"It's a shame we couldn't do it earlier and throughout the rest of the season and that it's taken us getting into a relegation battle to pull out a performance like that.

"We should be playing like that more often that not."

Sexton added: "It's a weight off my mind.

"I asked for a big effort and the players did just that.

"We've completely under-achieved but it's a nice way to finish the season I suppose."

  • Bournemouth's league campaign came to a disappointing end as they lost heavily against champions Havant.

Simon Ridley (4-33) and Pete Smith (3-39) returned good figures as Havant made 230 for seven batting first.

But Bournemouth's batsman never got close in reply, with just Martin Miller (46) making a major impression in a total of 134 all out.