A Matt Deadman-inspired 85-run win over Hook and Newnham Basics coincided with title rivals Andover unexpectedly losing at lowly Hambledon has given Basingstoke a substantial 39-point lead at the top.

If skipper Joe Oates can lead his side to victory over Andover at London Road on Saturday (12.30pm), Basingstoke will be almost home and dry - and back in the ECB Premier Division.

Basingstoke were emphatic winners over Hook - just as Basics were (by 100 runs) at the KGV back in June - with Deadman celebrating a maiden competitive first-team century.

The left-hander, who hit a six and 13 fours, led from the front and shared a telling 82-run partnership with Ash Neal (29) and before joining teenager Neil Shelar (38) in a century third-wicket stand.

The normally ebullient Hook noticeably dropped their heads in the field as Basingstoke built a formidable total on one of May's Bounty's hybrid strips.

There was a potential wobble when Shelar and Deadman were dismissed within three runs of each other - 191-2 became 194-4 - but Joe Oates (41) and Brad Neal (36) added quick runs in a fruitful 73-run stand to lift Basingstoke to 291-7 (Oli May 3-44).

It was effectively game over when Oates (4-29) ripped out Hook's first three batsmen, but the Buckingham brothers, Josh (61) and Matt (32) made Basingstoke scrap for their wickets.

Dubs Wood took 3-35 and Alex Crawford 2-24 as Hook were dismissed for 206 in the 47th over.