Walters takes five-for as Alton fight hard for draw at Bournemouth

After Covid and a season in Division One, it had been a while since Alton had played the longer format. Skipper Scott Myers lost the toss and the hosts elected to bat.

Bournemouth started watchfully as Tasmanian overseas Willoughby and Luke Webb built a solid platform. The Alton bowlers toiled, keeping the scoring rate in check but chances were few and far between. The opening stand was worth 114 before Willoughby edged Bash Walters behind for 42. Alton second came immediately as James Van Gool edged to Michael Heffernan at gully. Walters with two in the over and the home side now 114 for 2. With lunch approaching Alton pushed for a third but Webb and Freak stood firm as the home side went into the break well placed at 135 for 2.

Post lunch Varney returned to the attack, but Webb and Freak continued to make steady progress. Varney was bowling well and eventually got his reward. A short ball from Varney hurried Freak as he could only edge behind, Mark Heffernan completing his second catch with the score now 169 for 3. Skipper Park joined Webb and the pair continued to make steady progress.

Webb prolific on the cut shot all afternoon moved to three figures off 151 balls with 14 fours. Park looked to be inventive and Webb tried to up the rate but on a pitch that looked relatively easy to stay In on free scoring proved more difficult. Webb eventually perishing for a pretty much chanceless 124. Walters getting his third as Myers completed the catch. Once again it was two in the over for Walters, keeper Rogers holing out to South, Bournemouth now 241 for 5.

Bournemouth moved past 250 in the 60th over but they continued to bat on, Park was trying all the shots but when he holed out to Myers for 45, Walters completed his first premier league five wicket haul. The South African putting in a shift for the Brewers as he ended with figures of 5 for 88. Bournemouth batted on using up all 64 overs available to them as the innings closed on 281 for 6.

The quick turnaround between innings meant the Alton opening pair of Tom South and Dan Harris had to make sure they were fully switched on. The pair were not phased as they made steady in roads reaching tea unscathed. They added 50 with Alton ahead of the rate, Harris the aggressor struck 6 fours and six in his 36 before being trapped by Willoughby, the ball keeping low and despite the suspicion of an inside edge was given out LBW. Alton 64 for 1.

Gadsby joined South but scoring became more difficult for the Brewers. South trying to impose himself took on Jake Hurleys first ball only to skew the off spinner to back ward point Smith completing the catch as the Alton opener perished for 31. Alton were in further trouble when Conway removed Gadsby for 6 and when he bowled Myers for one Alton were reeling at 83 for four.

Michael Heffernan joined young Ruffell with the visitors in desperate need of a partnership. The pair moved Alton past three figures but with Ruffell looking to take the attack to Bournemouth he could only find mid-on as he was caught for eight. Alton now 101 for 5 with 23 overs to go. Mark Heffernan joined his brother as the pair looked to just bat time.

The Bournemouth bowlers continued to bowl a good line and length and with a relatively non attacking field scoring was difficult. The winning draw target was not realistic at this point so it was a case ensuring Alton took something out of the game. The home side appeared to be waiting for Alton to make mistakes but the overs continued to tick down with Alton remaining steadfast.

Overs remaining moved into single figures before Michael Heffernan was given out LBW for 24 Willoughby picking up his second. Tom Andrews looked comfortable as he and Mark Heffernan saw Alton to the close Alton making 156 for 6 and ensuring they took home 3 bonus points for the losing draw.