ALTON 2nd XI remain unbeaten after easily winning the Hampshire League County One top-of-the-table clash away to Hook & Newnham Basics II.

The visitors lost a wicket in the first over and then slipped to 38-3. However, Hugo Hammond (50) joined Richard Anthony (75) in a superb partnership of 139 – Alton’s best of the season. Some late hitting from Lee Partner and Alex Hughes saw the leaders to a healthy 227-6. Glen Williams was the home side’s best bowler, taking 3-39 in ten overs.

Hook were in similar difficulties at 36-3 against the bowling of Steve Ball and Hughes. But – unlike Alton – there was no real recovery.

Spinners Tom Paul and Partner found the track to their liking and took three wickets apiece as the Basics subsided to 124 all out, Matt Buckingham making top score of 37.

A fifth straight win for Alton twos who look determined to regain their place in the Southern Premier League.