RICHARD Morris was on century duty, his 110 laying the foundations for Bashley’s eye-catching 29-run triumph over previously-unbeaten St Cross in the Southern Electric Premier League.

The former Hampshire man was the mainstay as Bashley posted a formidable 241 for seven before skipper Andy Neal (5-29) helped dismiss St Cross for 212.

Victory propelled Bashley to the Division One summit, with Bournemouth breathing down their necks in second and St Cross third. Returning hero Damian Shirazi starred with bat and ball as Lymington recorded a morale-boosting seven-wicket success against Andover.

Shirazi (3-34) helped keep Andover to 192 for nine from their 50 overs before he chipped in with 31 as Lymington made light work of their reply.

Dorset big guns Darren Cowley (62 not out) and Glyn Treagus (45) also made valuable contributions as Lymington chalked up their first win of the season.

In Division Two, New Milton made a valiant attempt to chase down Hook & Newnham Basics’s imposing 300 for seven, the Fernhill boys falling 11 short (Ryan Beck 67).

Bournemouth maintained their promising start with a seven-wicket win over Burridge. Pete Smith (4-37) helped restrict Burridge to 165 for eight before Michael Porter (88) saw them home.