CRICKET: Basingstoke and North Hants captain Chris Froud insists confidence is high in the camp going into tomorrow’s top-of-the-table Southern Electric Premier League Division 1 clash gainst New Milton at May’s Bounty (1pm).

The Bountymen have won six out of six in 2014, their most recent success a five-wicket victory at Andover last weekend.

Stand-in skipper Dan Coombs lost the toss and the hosts chose to take first use of a flat, slow pitch, making 249-5 from their 50 overs.

Basingstoke’s reply began well, with Coombs (84) and Patrick Joseph (75) putting on 147 for the first wicket.

However, a mini-collapse left them 212-5 with six overs remaining.

Craig Williamson then smashed his way to a quick-fire 26 not out, hitting the winning runs with two balls to spare.

Froud said: “It was the first time we had been asked to chase a big score, so it was a good confidence-boosting performance.

“It was a tough and tight game, but a good one to win, especially going into tomorrow’s game against New Milton.

“It’s a crucial part of the season for us and we all want to keep winning.

“We are comfortable at home and if we can get one over on New Milton, it will give us an advantage going into the second half of the season.”

Both Basingstoke and New Milton boast strong bowling attacks – 20-year old Milton spinner Nick Elliott having claimed a career-best 8-32 against Bournemouth last weekend – but Froud believes that it is batsmen who could prove tomorrow’s match-winners.

“They have a really good bowling attack and are getting teams out,” he added. “That is true of us as well, so it could come down to runs and the batting line-up that copes better.”

Froud is hoping that he will have to make just one change to the side, bringing himself back into the line-up.

Joseph set to retain his place alongside the skipper at the top of the order.

Basingstoke & North Hants: Froud, Joseph, Coombs, Noblett, Bucksey, James, Porter, Williamson, Pistorious, Connor, Thankachan, Benge.

New Milton: R Beck, House, J Park, Elliott, Lawes, N Park, L Beck, Loader, Collison, Edwards, Gargaro, Watts.