BASINGSTOKE and North Hants are ready to pounce should the top two falter in Southern League Division One.

The Bountymen moved up to third, after a seven wicket win over visiting Portsmouth.

It was spin king Matt Thankachan (4-19) who turned this game on its head, as the visitors slid from 112-1 to 164 all out.

A Thankachan run out ended a first wicket stand worth 86 and he then ripped out the top order.

Basingstoke’s reply got off to a solid start thanks to Dan Belcher (20) and Craig Williamson (23).

The mantle was taken up by the in-form pair of Richard Vinn (44 not out) and Phillips (59).

They added 110 for the third wicket, before Ben Julin with a six from his first ball finished off the job.

After the game, captain Stokes said: “It was a great win when you consider they got off to a flyer and we then bowled them out for 164. Matt (Thankachan) won us the game as they could not cope with his spin, turn and bounce. In the end it was a convincing and a great day.”

The first of Basingstoke’s final three games is away at Liphook, who the Bountymen beat by 20 runs earlier in the season.

The home side’s star man is Suman Ganguly, who top scored for them in the first game.

Stokes said of the contest: “They have struggled this year, but on their day they are a very good side and we have to make sure we carry on performing the way we have in recent weeks. We have to make sure we can take an advantage if the top two slip up.”

Basingstoke IIs lost at Waterlooville in Division Three.

The home side made 224-6 as Steve Bucksey took (4-52).

Max Harsham (34) and George Chaffer (45) got the visitors to 80-1, but they were all out for 133.