STRUGGLING New Milton suffered another batting collapse as they were beaten convincingly by Southern Premier League rivals Basingstoke & North Hants.

The visitors lost their final eight wickets for 26 runs at May’s Bounty on their way to recording an eighth successive defeat.

The Green & Golds folded from 79 for two to 105 all out as Basingstoke strolled to a five-wicket victory, which eased any relegation concerns they had.

Milton lost opening pair Tom Arnold and rookie Luke Mortimore in former Hampshire professional David Griffiths’s new-ball spell.

Raff Hussey (34) and Lee Beck (33) added 62 in a heartening partnership before both fell to catches off the bowling of home skipper Mitch Stokes (4-16).

Milton fell apart after that. Former South Africa under-19 captain Sibz Makhanya got his line right and effectively finished off the visitors to claim four for 15.

To their credit, Milton did not wave the white flag and went in search of wickets in reply.

Basingstoke quickly lost Ben Thane, but Chris Froud (29) and Max Harsham (45) set the hosts towards victory at 80 for one.

Josh Arnold (3-20) then intervened and earned New Milton two bowling bonus points before unbeaten contributions from Craig Williamson and skipper Stokes saw the hosts over the line.