POST LUNCH half-centuries by Joe Collings-Wells and Geoff Dods were to no avail as Burridge slumped to a six-wicket defeat by Havant and back into ECB Southern Electric Premier Division relegation trouble.

On the flip side, the win – which coincided with South Wilts’ first loss – put Havant right back into title contention.

Burridge effectively lost the game in the morning session, limping in to lunch at 101-5 (Will Steward 33) and losing a sixth wicket after the break.

Left-arm spinner Chris Morgan, left (4-61) and Andy Gorvin (2-24) did the damage before Dods (54 not out) and Collings-Wells, with a sensibly complied 56, added 85 for the seventh wicket to give Burridge a fighting chance.

But once Ben Walker (28) and Pete Hopson (44) put on 55, it was just a matter of how quickly Havant got the runs.

It took them until the 50th over, but Richard Hindley (57) and Gorvin (25) were in no hurry.

l Hampshire Seniors have qualified for the national phase of the ECB 50-plus County Championships after a seven-run victory over Dorset at Dean Park – a result that appeared improbable for most of the match.

Hampshire dictated the terms at 109-1 after a blistering start by Max Smith (46), Dave Streather (33) and Chris Wheeler (24), only to collapse to 126-6.

Pete Robson (34) and the lower order lifted Hampshire to 225 all out – Joe Wilson taking 3-17 and Dave Porter 3-19.

When John Young (73) and Porter (51) powered Dorset’s reply to 175-2, only one outcome seemed probable, but Hampshire’s bowlers applied the brake and the hosts were marooned seven runs short at 218-7 at stumps.

Hampshire 60s face Hertfordshire at Hursley Park tomorrow (1.30) in a match which will decide who tops the southern group.