Match Report

A busy weekend in the sunshine for the Brewers saw them entertain Portsmouth in the League cup on Saturday followed by Portsmouth and Southsea on Sunday in the T20 cup.

Pompey had just fell short against premier opposition in their previous outing so this was set to be a tough task for the home side. Things began well as skipper Harris won the toss on what looked like an excellent surface. Alton got off to a flyer Harris and South punishing anything loose. Harris reached his 50 first with South not far behind as the pair added 143 before Harris fell for 72 off just 65 balls. Alton lost a second immediately and when South followed for a run a ball 64 Alton slipped to 146 for 3 and were in danger of ruining their dominant start. Alton moved to 171 before Heffernan fell for 11 but from then on Alton once again took control. Young Jude Wright joined Myers and the pair added 79 before Myers fell for 53. Wright had played a fantastic innings as he ended unbeaten on 46 off just 37 balls. Mark Heffernan struck a late boundary as Alton closed on a formidable 261 off their 40 overs.

Despite the imposing target Alton knew they would have to bowl well on what was still a good surface. Things did not go quite to plan as Portsmouth made a positive start. Despite the flow of runs Salmon started well with the ball as did young debutant Ellis Ballinger son of Alton’s leading wicket taker Julian Ballinger who watched on. Alton’s downfall was extras as Ballinger struggled with the front line. Alton finally got their first wicket with South trapping Wallis in front for 25 but Portsmouth had moved to 86-1 with plenty overs remaining. However a double breakthrough from leg spinner Jack Myers (2 for 19) saw Portsmouth clip to 94 for 3. The dangerous Duggan remained on 42 but when he then followed South (2 for 18) picking up his second Alton were in total control as the visitors slipped to 96 for 4.

Bochereau replaced Myers and with Portsmouth still on the attack the off spinner took full advantage picking up 4 for 35. Jude Wright returned for his second spell and also picked up a couple of wickets ending with figures 2 for 30 as Portsmouth were bundled out for 149. Alton picking up their second win In as many weeks.