SKIPPER Simon Watkins is convinced Bashley can gatecrash the top two’s monopoly in the Southern Premier League – providing they stop beating themselves.

Watkins guided Bashley to a fourth successive victory when they eased to a four-wicket win over local rivals Lymington in a low-scoring affair yesterday.

Since Watkins took the reins from Richard Morris at the end of May, Bashley have won eight of their 10 matches – losing only to top two South Wilts and Havant.

Watkins said: “I believe we are in a position where if we were to put our best 11 against any other, we are extremely strong and up there with the top two.

“There is always a possibility we could break into that. When we have lost, we have been victims of beating ourselves before the opposition has beaten us and we are trying to get past that. If a team is to beat us, I am anxious they should deserve to.”

Bashley’s Australian overseas player Tom Andrews again starred with the ball as Lymington were routed for just 96 at the Sports Ground.

Despite losing an important toss, Lymington advanced to a promising 89 for four thanks largely to the efforts of opener Ed Ellis.

But the introduction of Andrews swung the pendulum firmly in Bashley’s favour as Lymington lost their final six wickets for the addition of just seven runs.

Andrews (5-29) tore through Lymington’s brittle middle and lower order, while Sam Thomson chipped in to claim the scalp of Ellis (50).

Although Bashley made an uncertain start at 25 for three, Andrews (22) and James Morris shared 32 for the fourth wicket to guide them to 57 for four.

And James Morris (45) remained undefeated at the close as Bashley reached 100 for six from 23.6 overs before the tea interval.

“It was good to continue our winning run,” said Watkins. “We seem to have our game plan set and it seems to be working for us at the moment so we are all pretty happy.

“Tom Andrews and Sam Thomson have both been fantastic. To have two spinners who turn it in either direction has been very beneficial to us.

“They have both been incredibly consistent. Even if they have a couple of slow overs, they tweak what they need to do and are very easy to captain.”

Bashley host South Wilts and Havant in their final two home matches of the campaign.

“We are comfortable we have those two fixtures to come and are looking forward to the challenge,” added Watkins. “But we will take it one game at a time. We are all enjoying our cricket and our time together, which is important.”