Brewers hold on as they topple leaders

On winning the toss Bournemouth skipper did not hesitate in batting. Not many would have predicted what was to follow. Bash Walters got Alton off to the perfect start as he removed both Bournemouth openers, Janmohamed taking 2 catches behind the stumps off the Brewers paceman to leave Bournemouth 22 for 2.

Jude Wright then removed Matthews for 9 as the home side slipped further into trouble at 28 for 3. Skipper Park looked to rebuild with Woodruff but Toby Salmon returning to first team action removed the later before claiming a second wicket in quick time to leave Bournemouth in real trouble at 55 for 5.

Park was joined by Pack and the pair edged their way to 80 before Wright bowled Park for 27. 80 for 6 was soon 82 for 8, Wright and Walters sharing a wicket each, before they repeated the same both ending with 4 wickets apiece as Bournemouth were bundled out for just 98. Wright ending with 4 for 24 and Walters the impressive figures of 4 for just 8 off 8.2 overs.

Alton would not have a better chance to pick up their third win and things started well. Gonella and Janmohamed moved Alton to 34 before Janmohamed was trapped in front off Pack for 15. It was the introduction of spinner Pack that would prove pivotal on turning the game on its head. Alton seemingly in control even with the loss of their second wicket at 44 for 2.

From this point Alton looked to have thrown the game away as 44 for 2 became 44 for 5 and then 48 for 6. Pack with all 6 wickets in a fantastic spell that had looked like sealing victory for the league leaders. Wright was then removed by Hurley as Alton fell to 51 for 7.

Opener Abhay Gonella was still there and he was joined by another of Alton's successful U19 side from last season Freddie Egleston. The pair saw off Pack who ended with figures of 10 overs 6 for 16. Every run was vital as Alton tried to edge their way out of trouble. Nerves were frayed, even for those following on play cricket.

The pair batted with unbelievable maturity as they put on a match winning partnership somehow seeing the Brewers home by 3 wickets. Gonella ending on 38 not out off 105 balls while Egleston made 23 off 58 balls. A remarkable partnership in a rollercoaster of a game.
Alton relieved to have sealed victory will look to continue their winning form as they host Hook on Saturday, before taking on Lymington at Jubilee in the T20 cup round 2 on Sunday.