ALTON II lost to Basingstoke II, the Southern Premier League Division Three leaders, by 59 runs and with an under-strength side, including two debutants called up from the thirds, it was a spirited effort by the Brewers against strong opposition.

The visitors were in trouble at 57-3 and later at 138-5, but Alton failed to capitalise and Bradley Neal (80) and skipper Chris Chandler (41 not out) steered Basingstoke to a hefty 254-7. Patrick Sampson took 2-28 from 10 excellent overs of spin.

Hugo Hammond (37), Joe Paul (30) and Dan Scott (35) led a strong reply by the Brewers and the game was in the balance at 120-4.

However, apart from Andy Pearce (36), nobody else could get going. Alton were all out for 195 in the 48th over and remain second from bottom in Division?Three.

• A?young Alton side beat Burridge in an all-Premier T20 Cup first-round clash on Sunday.

Alex Hammond and Dan Harris (18) gave Alton a flyer and the visitors were 53-1 after six power-play overs. Hammond hit a fine 46 off just 33 balls, while Scott Myers struck a run-a-ball 41 as Alton posted a competitive 147-5.

Alton knew the first six overs would be key and off the very first ball Michael Heffernan ran out Azi Chowdhury. Alton continued to chip away, restricting the home side’s boundary count.

Toby Salmon (2-30) bowled a good spell, while Jack Myers’ 3-11 off four overs effectively decided the game. Burridge were held to 106-9, Alton winning by 41 runs.