LONG-SERVING Julian Ballinger recorded a first-ever Premier League hat-trick as Alton comfortably beat a weakened Ventnor side to make it three wins in as many weeks.

Scott Myers, yet to win a toss this season, failed to break his duck and the Islanders elected to bat at the Jubilee Ground.

But it was Alton who took the early advantage. Ben Mortimer bowled Rob Snell and when Michael Salmon castled skipper Mark Holmes for a duck, the visitors were reeling at 5-2.

Mortimer, who had found a nice rhythm, had Martin Blackman pouched at second slip by Scott Myers, but the paceman pulled up injured in his sixth over and Ventnor took advantage as Alex Glendenning and John Buckman put together a partnership of 74 and steered their side past the 100 mark.

However, Ballinger and Jack Myers once again took a hand in proceedings. Ballinger broke the stand and a flurry of wickets to the two spinners left Ventnor a precarious 118-7 at lunch.

Alton strove to finish off their opponents on the restart, but again Ventnor fought back. Overseas player Glendenning was still there and had kept a calm head while wickets tumbled at the other end.

He found a partner in number 9 George Willis and Glendenning was able to complete a fine hundred during their stand of 66.

Off-spinner Ballinger finally ended Willis’s 95-ball stay when he had him caught by the injured Mortimer. Glendenning came down the wicket to the next ball, but was outfoxed by Ballinger and was stumped by Abeed Janmohamed.

Ballinger then had number 11 Dane Dovale safety taken by Mike Heffernan at short extra-cover to achieve his landmark hat-trick, giving him superb figures of 5-21 in ten overs. Jack Myers took 2-43 in 15 overs and Ventnor were all out for 184 after 52 overs.

With the wicket good and plenty of overs available, Alton knew that a solid batting display would see them home.

They duly delivered. Ryan Hale, back on first-team duty, and Dan Hutton saw up the 50 and Alton were in control. Hale batted fluently for 30 before being adjudged lbw to Snell.

Hutton was dropped just before tea, but he and Alex Hammond continued to play positively and shared an unbroken partnership of 122 as Alton cruised home in the final session.

Hutton hit 11 fours in his unbeaten 79 and Hammond, making the most of some luck, finished 59 not out off 74 balls, including ten boundaries.

Maximum points for the Brewers who face a much sterner test this Saturday when they travel to South Wilts, the reigning champions.