BEN Walker scored his second Southern Premier League century of the season against Alton, but was left a frustrated captain as Havant were denied victory by the determined Brewers.

Alton’s confidence was high after last week’s rousing T20 Cup win, but it was tough going for the visitors as second-placed Havant opted to bat first on a flat track and opener Walker proceeded to play a fantastic innings.

He had scored a century against the Brewers back in May and Alton again had no answer as the left-hander made a virtually chanceless 156 off 177 balls.

First-change bowler Julian Ballinger removed Peter Hopson at 67 and when the off-spinner had Andy Gorvin caught by Howard Gadsby, the home side were 99-2.

But then Havant took complete control as Walker and Stuart Ransley put on 162 for the fourth wicket. When, finally, Ransley was well taken in the deep by Robbie Heywood, Havant were out of sight at 261-3.

Alton continued to chip away as Havant looked for a declaration total. Scott Myers bowled Chris Stone and Ballinger picked up Walker for a personal best score that included 16 boundaries.

Ballinger wheeled away to finish with a creditable 5-98 in 19 overs and Havant, having batted Alton out of the game, eventually called time in the 60th over at 307-7.

An Alton run-chase never got off the ground. Dan Hutton and Abeed Janmohamed briefly threatened before both fell to Richard Jerry who then dismissed Heywood, back from university, first ball.

With the ball now turning, Alex Hammond was lured out of his ground by left-arm spinner Chris Morgan.

Michael Heffernan and skipper Myers made it to tea, but first over on the restart, Morgan trapped the former in front and Alton looked to be facing certain defeat at 59-5, with plenty of time remaining.

However, Myers was joined by Joe Paul and the pair dug in. Overs ticked by and a draw began to look possible. Then Morgan dismissed Myers for a defiant 59 off 109 balls, and the home side sensed their chance at 114-6 with an hour still to go.

But Gadsby, the new batsman, also showed stickability and with almost every fielder around the bat, he and young Paul continued to play out over after over.

With the job almost done, Paul was lbw to Morgan, having faced 97 balls for his vital 27 runs.

Alton still had work to do. Ben Mortimer’s method was to hit a four and two sixes, taking his side past the 150 mark, before one big shot too many gave Morgan his fifth wicket, leaving Alton 164-8.

Gadsby continued to hold firm, although Havant missed a chance in the penultimate over when a simple catch to silly point was grounded. Gadsby made a stoic 9 off 59 balls and he and Toby Salmon, another youngster, saw out the final overs to give Alton a defiant losing draw.

Alton host Burridge at the Jubilee Playing Fields this Saturday.