It was a game of two halves on Saturday when Alton defeated Hartley Wintney at Jubilee Playing Fields.

Heavy showers forced the start to be delayed for an hour and when play finally got underway, the visiting batsmen profited from some poor Alton bowling.

Only John Halfacre and skipper Julian Ballinger emerged with any credit as the rest of the bowlers struggled to find a consistent line and length on a helpful surface.

Castrisos, Wintney's Australian opener, started brightly and was looking dangerous when he ran himself out in suicidal fashion for 31.

Digweed and Gregory weighed in with useful contributions and an imposing total of 209-4 from 42 overs was posted, with Digweed unbeaten on 71.

However, a spectacular turnaround in fortunes ensued as the Alton batsmen set about their task with relish.

Richard Morgan departed in only the second over, but Michael Heffernan assumed control and through excellent partnerships with Gary Chalkley, dad Paddy and Ballinger, he took the game away from Hartley Wintney, Alton cruising to a six-wicket victory.

Unfortunately for Heffernan, he didn't manage to complete what would have been a fantastic century, falling just four runs short – the second time in two seasons he has been agonisingly close to completing his first league ton.

But in this sort of form, it should just be a matter of time.

This was Alton's third consecutive league win and their third successful run-chase. The signs are encouraging for the rest of the season.

l Alton entertain Waterlooville this Saturday. The second XI visit Hook II and Alton III are away to Eastleigh III.

hartley wintney

J Castrisos run out 31

D Almond c Gadsby b Halfacre 28

T Gregory c MJ Heffernan b Ballinger 41

M Digweed not out 71

J Rowe lbw Ballinger 6

S Sayers not out 18

Extras 14

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Total (for 4 wkts) 209

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Bowling: J Halfacre 1-25, J Ballinger 2-38.

alton

M P Heffernan c Mowat b Rowe 96

R Morgan c Rowe b Worrall 3

G Chalkley c Sayers b Worrall 22

P Heffernan c Jolley b Drummond 31

J Ballinger not out 23

B Oliphant not out 15

Extras 20

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Total (for 4 wkts) 210

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Bowling: R Worrall 2-46, R Drummond 1-13, J Rowe 1-15.