ALTON 2nd XI continued their seemingly unstoppable march to the Hampshire League County One title with a five-wicket victory over New Milton II at the Jubilee Ground.

New Milton owed much to number 3 Toby Edwards who made 102 out of a total of 182, with four bowlers, including regular first-team captain Scott Myers, each taking two wickets.

Alton had their own centurion in Ryan Hale who hammered 104 and shared a fine opening partnership with Lawrence Hughes (41). The Brewers required only 28 overs to knock off the runs.

Neil Heffernan rolled back the years with a massive 135 not out as Alton III racked up 281-4 off their 45 overs against Basingstoke IV (County 4 North). Andy Postles (42) and David Evans (40) gave fine support as the visiting bowlers came in for severe punishment.

Basingstoke fell well short in reply and were bowled out for 135. Garfield Coombs top-scored with 41, while James Foulkes took 3-38 and young Freddie Egleston 4-20 in an emphatic victory for the thirds.