Bashley’S title hopes suffered a setback as Havant claimed the honours in Saturday’s top-of-the-table showdown.

The New Forest outfit went into the SPL Division One clash as league leaders but were leapfrogged by their opponents after finding themselves on the wrong end of a seven-wicket verdict.

Opener Neil Thurgood got Bash off to a solid start by hitting 62, before Richard Morris scored an impressive 97 to help reach a total of 242 for eight batting first.

But Havant reached the target for the loss of just three wickets as opening pair Ben Walker (81) and Peter Hopson (82) laid the platform for Stuart Ransley, who had earlier claimed four wickets, to finish the job with an unbeaten 49.

Andy Sexton returned Bashley’s best bowling figures but his three for 73 proved in vain.

• Reigning champions Bournemouth had a good day – particularly with the bat – to earn a winning draw and 17 points against Totton and Eling.

Skipper Simon Watkins set the pace. His 94 from 101 deliveries, which included 10 fours and two sixes, helped Bournemouth rack up a formidable 330 for eight.

Totton and Eling avoided defeat by finishing on 228 for eight.

Elsewhere in the top flight, depleted Lymington were thumped by South Wilts.

The victors made 312 for seven declared, with only Darren Cowley (45) making an impression for Lymo (118).

• In Division Two, Jonny Coombs hit an unbeaten 73 to help Bournemouth (138-3) defeat Hambledon (181).

Second-bottom New Milton (205-8) agonisingly lost by just one run against Paultons (249-7).