CHARL Willoughby will be unable to take up his post as skipper of Basingstoke and North Hants this season because this week he was selected for the South Africa squad to tour England later in the summer.

This is excellent news for the fast bowler but it means Basingstoke will have to hunt for an overseas player.

Basingstoke chairman Keith Harris said: "It is really great for Charl and he is really looking forward to the tour - especially as it is in England."

He added: "As he was not selected until Monday, we still have to make a decision as to who will skipper the side for the rest of the season.

At the moment, vice-captain Ross Hunter will be in charge for Satur-day's game against Banbury."

When these teams met last year at May's Bounty, Basingstoke won by four wickets after bowling out the visitors for 183. A similar result tomorrow will kick-start their Home Counties League campaign.

Last Sunday, Basingstoke enjoyed their second win in the National Clubs Championship, beating Falkland by six wickets at May's Bounty.

The visitors were bowled out for 138. David Holland was the leading wicket taker with 4-32, backed up by Jon Govett (3-23), Chris Chandler(2-25) and Ray Pavesi (1-14). In reply, opener Lee Nurse continued his good early-season form, top scoring with 63, while Andy Giles (27) and Ian Maynard (18) helped ensure an easy win.

Basingstoke and North Hants under-15 side beat Old Basing by 75 runs in the Berkeley Sports Two Counties Youth League.

Basingstoke batted first with captain Luke Harding (36) and Craig Williamson (15) sharing an opening partnership of 62.

Some quick scoring from Jon Bradley (18) and Grant Rouse, with an unbeaten 27, saw the home side to 119-3 from 20 overs.

In reply, Old Basing were shot out for 34. No player made double figures and Harding and Salmaan Hamid each returned 3-4.