Old Basing CC 2nd XI and Alton CC Sat 3rd XI shared the spoils in a dramatic Hampshire Cricket League Division 4C encounter at Old Basing Recreation Ground, with both sides finishing on exactly 219-9 from their 45 overs. After winning the toss and batting first, Old Basing built their innings around a 50 from B Buksh and 47 from V Shukla. Alton’s bowling attack was led superbly by Oscar Whittington, whose outstanding spell of 4-19 from eight overs put the brakes on the innings, supported by R Butler (2-34).

Alton’s reply looked in trouble at 72-5 before a crucial recovery transformed the chase. Rory Butler struck an excellent 50, while skipper Ian Carpenter produced the innings of the match with a powerful 62 from 69 balls to haul Alton back into contention. Despite wickets falling at key moments and a tense finish, Alton held their nerve to reach 219-9 and secure a tie in remarkable fashion.