Alton CC 1st XI claimed a 24-run victory over Basingstoke & North Hants in a thrilling encounter at May’s Bounty.

After defeat last week against Portsmouth, Alton lost the toss and were asked to bat by Basingstoke. Initially the top-order found the two-paced nature of the wicket difficult and the brewers quickly found themselves 43-4. The middle-order adjusted well to the conditions, however, and resisted the basingstoke onslaught. Jude Wright (51) and Fred Egleston (50) batted sensibly, rotating the strike and punishing the bad balls. Following a few late blows from the lower order, Alton got themselves to 207 at the break.

In response, Basingstoke started strongly - 116-2 after 20 overs with George Metzger (56) and Ethan O’Donaghue (39) looking comfortable. However, both batsmen were dismissed shortly after thanks to some good catching from Ben Rolfs and Sam Ruffell. In a remarkable turn-around, this led to a cascade of wickets, courtesy of Fred Egleston (5-18) and Bash Walters (3-39), which led to Basingstoke being bowled out for 183.

Four games into the season, this win leaves Alton in 6th place. They have Bashley at home this Saturday (31st).