MARCO Marais struck 56 off 20 balls and fired Alton to victory over Havant in the rearranged 2017 SPL T20 Cup at Totton & Eling’s Southern Gardens ground on Sunday.

The South African, holder of the record for the fastest triple century in first-class cricket, has struggled to find his touch in league matches, but hit form with a vengeance in this showpiece game against the cup holders.

A wonderful all-round effort in the field had set up the chance of a first major trophy for the Brewers.

Scott Myers chose to field first and Alex Hammond, an occasional off-spinner, got the ball rolling by reducing Havant to 16-3. Peter Hopson and Andy Gorvin were repairing the damage until a fine piece of work by Hugo Hammond saw Gorvin stumped off a Myers wide.

Julian Ballinger then joined the attack with his own off-spin and after trapping Hopson in front for 39, claimed the wickets of the dangerous Chris Morgan and Cameron Prentice.

Toby Salmon bowled four tight overs and Havant were restricted to 136-8, with Oliver Jones left unbeaten on 25 not out.

Alton opened with Alex Hammond and Marais and the fireworks started immediately. Hammond was out in the second over after hitting two boundaries, but Havant were helpless against the power and timing of Marais’ shot-making. Smashing the ball to all parts, he scored 56 of the next 57 runs and went to a lightning 50 off 18 balls, including four sixes and seven fours.

When he was caught for 56 off Prentice, Alton were 66-2 and with plenty of overs in hand, they just had to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Hugo Hammond and skipper Myers eased their side towards 100, but then a typical middle-order wobble saw them slip to 98-4.

At 108-5, with Michael Heffernan gone, Alton sent in big-hitting Ben Mortimer and the opening bowler obliged with 17 off 13 balls, hitting one massive six, to put the Brewers within touching distance.

With Mortimer out, Alton needed just six off two overs. Mark Heffernan, after being dropped off a full-toss – keeper Jez Bulled misjudged the skier – finished the game in style by cracking the next delivery for four.

An historic victory for Alton, and the celebrations weren’t bad either.

Marco Marais picked up the Man of the Match award as Scott Myers lifted the trophy.