Another masterful hundred from Australian youngster Ben Rolfs led Alton’s 1st XI to a 164-run win against Bournemouth on Saturday.

After rain frustrated Alton at Lymington last weekend, Alton faced Bournemouth on a blustery day at the Jubilee Cricket Ground in the ECB Southern Premier Cricket League Premier Division.

Batting first, Alton’s Abhay Gonella (30) and Dan Harris (26) weathered an initial challenging spell from the Bournemouth opening bowlers. However, Harris’ dismissal led to a flurry of wickets, leaving them 105 for five.

A strong partnership of 92 between Fred Egleston (38) and Ben Rolfs steadied things, and some brutal hitting from Tom South (26) and Bash Walters (35) allowed Alton to flourish and declare on 292 for eight.

Ben Rolfs finished on 105 not out - a classy and experienced knock from the young Melburnian.

After an explosive start from opener James Van Gool, Bournemouth’s innings failed to gather any momentum thanks to some tight bowling and regular wickets from spinners Tom South (three for 12) and Dan Sumner (three for 39).

Bash Walters, who announced his retirement from the professional game this week after a distinguished 18-year career, blew away Bournemouth’s lower order, leaving them 164 runs short on 128 all out.

The Brewers hope to carry this momentum on to June 21 when they take on Hampshire Academy at the Utilita Bowl’s nursery ground.

Following rain last week, Alton’s 2nd XI were ready to restart their Division 3 season as they travelled down to windy Fareham & Crofton for an important clash.

Losing the toss on a slightly two-paced pitch, Alton were put in to bat, but with a strong batting line-up they were happy to set a total.

In spite of this, Fareham & Crofton were able to restrict Alton to 38 for three as they used the conditions to their advantage.

Some rebuilding between the next two pairings began to steady the ship, and particularly Joey Paul (63) was able to work through a tough start to put Alton back on track.

When he was joined by Tom Andrews (52 not out) they were able to score some quick late runs and bolster Alton to a very defendable score of 223 for eight.

Alton were confident heading into the second innings, as they had the return of two key bowlers to open up - and Wilf Bridger (three for 16) and Tom Andrews (one for 24) did not disappoint. Two early strikes pegged the hosts back to just 21 for two after the first ten overs.

Fareham & Crofton gradually began to climb back into the chase, but as they looked to up the run rate Luke Crook (four for 42) provided a crucial spell to make the key breakthroughs when they were needed as he picked up his best figures for the side.

Ultimately Alton were able to close out the game, bowling out Fareham & Crofton for 171 to win by 52 runs and put them back on track for a good first season returning to the Southern Premier League.

In Division 2, Liphook & Ripsley made 250 (Farndale 81, Neave 66, Freeman 5-42) and beat Fawley, who notched 176 (Munir 40, Singh 29, Grimes 4-32), by 74 runs.

And in Division 3, Parley - who scored 213 for nine - beat Odiham & Greywell, who were dismissed for 191, by 22 runs.