Alton fall to St Cross

Alton suffered their fourth successive defeat on Saturday as their poor start to the season continued. They were defeated by last season's champions St Cross at the Royal Green Jackets ground.

Batting first, the hosts posted a powerful 275 thanks to contributions througout the order. Hampshire contracted Harry Came topped the scoring with a hard fought 76, despite Matt Bacon removing another Hampshire youngster Felix Organ beforehand for 20.

Max Curtis supported Came with 49, before becoming one of three victims for seamer Hakim Peruzi (3-54) and when evergreen Julian Ballinger removed Came, Alton looked like they might resrtrict the hosts to a chasable target.

However, later order runs from Harry Foyle (28) and Matt Howarth (26) took the hosts to a strong looking score.

Alton's reply started badly as they were reduced to 16-2 by overseas bowler Marvin Williams and never really got going after that. Scott Myers (31) looked the most comfortable, with contributions from Mark Heffernan (16) and Matt Bacon (18) nudging Alton's reply along.

However the target was never in danger, and it was left to Jack Myers (14) and then last wicket pair Dan Scott (19) and Ballinger (25) to heave some late blows and take Alton to 193.

The Brewers return to their preferred 'time' format this weekend at home to Bashley (11 am) looking to get their season up and running.