Bashley (Rydal) II’s have cut Tichborne Park’s lead at the top of Southern Electric Premier League, Division 3 to a solitary point after recovering to beat their title rivals by three wickets.

The games was going comfortably Bashley’s way after they dismissed Tichborne for 135 and progressed to 49 without loss.

But a Joe Roach hat-trick rocked Bashley back on their heels and the match swung back in Tichborne’s favour with the visitors 71-6.

Neil Taylor’s experience saw Bashley through, however, the Hampshire Seniors’ all-rounder using his skills to get his side home.

Bowlers dominated the proceedings for most of the game, with only Micky Butler (24) and Tom Allam (20) making their mark as Tichborne recovered from 45-3 to 99-4 before falling away.

Jake Lilley (3-25) struck two early blows, while Simon Watkins (3-18) and Neil Taylor (2-18) conceding only 36 runs off their combined 19 overs.

Neil Thurgood (37) and James Underwood (17) gave Bashley a 49-run start before Martin Cheyney took catches off consecutive balls off Roach, who then trapped Phil Morris to complete his hat-trick.

An alarming collapse saw Bashley plunge from 49-0 to 71-6 – six wickets falling for 22 runs – before Simon Morris (20) stabilised affairs.

He added a precious 25 with Neil Taylor (18 not out), whose own unbroken partnership with Lilley (15 not out) sealed a nervy three-wicket win.