ALTON’S poor run of form continued as they failed to seriously extend title contenders Havant last Saturday in the Premier Division of the Southern Electric Premier League.

Put in at Havant Park, Alton again lost their top order cheaply, with only Alex Hammond making any impression against swing bowler Ben Walker.

The visitors had slipped to 46-4 when Hammond was caught for 47, but Mark Heffernan found his touch with a disciplined innings and a partnership of 42 with Abeed Janmohamed put Alton back in the game.

Richard Anthony then supported Heffernan in a stand of 45 as the visitors clawed their way to 133-5, but when Heffernan was seventh man out for 47 off 107 balls – caught behind by Jez Bulled off Walker – there was little further resistance.

Alton were all out for 150 in the 63rd over and Walker returned exceptional figures of 6-24 from a mammoth 21 overs.

With Havant’s long batting line-up the result was never really in doubt against an Alton attack woefully short of pace.

Robert Gibson got his side off to a fast start, hitting 41 of the first 60 runs before off-spinner Julian Ballinger momentarily checked Havant with two quick wickets as they slipped to 68-2.

However, Pete Hopson (54 not out) and Andrew Gorvin (37 not out) batted serenely in an unbroken partnership and Havant coasted home in 32 overs.

Five matches remain and Alton have a tough home date with the Hampshire Academy on Saturday (start 11.30am).

Back at the Jubilee Ground, Alton seconds fared little better against Basingstoke seconds and lost by eight wickets to remain rooted to the bottom of Division Three.

It was doubly disappointing after Alton’s excellent win against leaders Trojans the previous week.

Also unlucky with the toss, Alton were put in on a damp track and duly struggled against the new ball.

Only four batsmen made it into double figures – alongside the ever reliable extras – and Alton were dismissed for just 97 as the Basingstoke bowlers exploited significant bounce and turn.

Left-arm spinner Dave Pistorious was unplayable at times and finished with amazing figures of 4-8 from 10 overs.

Basingstoke coped comfortably in reply as Alton chased wickets. Tom Paul claimed two victims, but opener Leon Nurse made a masterful 60 and Basingstoke eased home with eight wickets in hand.

Alton’s inconsistency leaves them staring upward from the bottom of the table.