Trojans are in serious danger of losing their Southern Electric Premier League status after a seven-wicket defeat by Basingstoke & North Hants II left them dangerously close to the Division 3 relegation zone.

Only four points now separates them from Portsmouth & Southsea, who suffered an unexpected loss to previously winless Bournemouth II.

Even with Simon Williams at the helm, Trojans struggled with the bat – their modest 145 on a May’s Bounty batting paradise being woefully light.

Drew Robinson (32) and Jamie Donaldson (28) made contributions, but Trojans were unable to contain Hampshire Over-50s seamer Keith Harsham, who wrecked their middle-order with a 5-17 return.

Although Basingstoke lost openers Dave McCormack (28) and Lee Nurse (23) at 56, they coasted to victory.

Andy Giles (48) and Richard Vinn (41 not out) guided Stoke home.

Trojans would have been in even deeper strife had Portsmouth & Southsea inflicted a 12th straight defeat on Bournemouth II.

But a 152-run stand between third-wicket pair Guy Anderson (79) and George Russell (86) took Bournemouth to within a whisker of the P & S total of 184 (Choudhary 5-26) and a three-wicket win.

More cricket in today's Daily Echo - plus two pages of local cricket in The Pink this weekend.