Match Report

Despite all the Covid restrictions and the late start to the season the majority of the teams were keen to see the T20 cup go ahead. Alton who had enjoyed their damp evening at the Ageas bowl last September were keen to start well in their defence of the cup. Round one saw the Brewers drawn at home to Portsmouth and Southsea, last year’s plate runners up.

Portsmouth & Southsea won the toss and on another fantastic day for cricket chose to bat first. Alton produced an all-round bowling to restrict the visitors to 94 for 8 off their 20 overs. Jack Myers and Michael Salmon set the tone with good opening spells as they both picked up a wicket a piece. Toby Salmon replaced Myers and produced a hostile spell to pick up 3 for 18 off his 4 overs, removing both top scorers, Benfield (26) and Kanavan (23) . Xavier Bochereau was once again in the wickets as he picked up 3 for 13 off his four overs.

Alton looked to get ahead of the rate early with South hitting 4 boundaries in the first over. Harris (4) was bowled early by Willey but Alton were already on 22. Michael Heffernan joined South with Portsmouth & Southsea looking for quick wickets but the runs continued to flow. South then fell to Willey for 25 a good ball clipping the top of the stumps, Alton 43 for 2. Scott Myers joined Heffernan and it was more of the same. Portsmouth continued to attack but this meant Alton were able to find the boundary with regularity. The Brewers completed the chase in the 11th over. Heffernan 27 and Myers 36 both ending not out.