WITH Alton’s Premier Division home game with South Wilts being called off, the 2nd XI were strengthened by overseas player Sean Jamison and first-team skipper Scott Myers for their Southern Premier League Division Three fixture. Yet Steve Ball’s side still lost by an emphatic eight wickets away to unbeaten Bashley (Rydal) II.

Steve Ball lost a crucial toss and Alton were inserted on a rain-affected wicket. Right on cue, more rain caused a 45-minute delay and it became a 48-overs game.

Andy Postles and Joe Paul began with measured but attacking intent, and it took a fine delivery from Sammy Laurent to end a partnership of 33.

Postles and Myers, having both got a start, were adjudged lbw and, at 69-3, Alton were looking for stability. But Howard Gadsby and Hugo Hammond went trying to force the pace and the visitors were 113-7 when Jamison was joined by Ball.

The pair launched a recovery with a stand of 31 and Jamison received further support from Tom Paul and last man Lee Partner. The South African kept the scoreboard moving with fine hits down the ground and completed his first 50 for the club.

Jamison was finally last man out for 61 off 48 balls in the 47th over and Alton closed on 183. Neil Taylor was the pick of Bashley’s attack, claiming 5-25 from his 10 overs.

Alton, with a strong attack of their own, looked capable of making it an interesting game. Dan Trim ran out Simon Morris in the first over and when Jamison produced a quick delivery to dispatch Jay Van Wyk, Bashley were 14-2, and it was ‘game on’.

But Alton’s optimism was short-lived. Tom Jacques and Phil Morris came together in an unbroken stand of 170 and Alton’s frustration grew as loud appeals for lbw and catches behind the wicket were turned down.

The breakthrough eluded them and Jacques opened up to make a fine 95 not out at almost a run a ball. Morris finished unbeaten on 68 and Bahley cruised to another victory in the 38th over.