MICHAEL Heffernan continued his excellent start to the season, but Alton were still facing defeat when rain arrived at Havant and caused play to be abandoned in the SPL Premier Division match.

Put in to bat by the powerful Havant side, the Brewers began poorly, but recovered from 22-2 to 75-2 as Heffernan and Dan Harris added 53.

However, Havant rang the bowling changes to good effect and although Heffernan held things together with 55 off 108 balls – following up his 90 of the week before – Alton had faltered to 147, their chances of a decent total resting with the younger Heffernan, Mark (25 not out), when rain forced the players off. They were never to return.

Liphook & Ripsley were put in by visitors Hook & Newnham in their Division One fixture and were six wickets down for 130 when the weather stepped in. Rob Nicklin (27), Harry Munt (37) and Richard Williams (23) all got out after doing the hard work, while Grant Rouse and Jack Campbell were starting to build a promising partnership when play was called off. Rhodes Franklin bowled a fine spell for Hook, taking 2-9 in 10 miserly overs.

In Division Two, Rowledge captain Ben Wish made the bold decision to bat first on a green track at Sparsholt. But it turned out to be a good move as openers Nick Morant (45) and Jake Wish (27) shared a free-scoring partnership of 71.

The fall of two quick wickets brought new overseas player Fraser Wilson to the crease. The Australian was immediately into his stride and crafted an elegant half-century before being caught at long-on for a round 50, attempting to accelerate the run-rate.

Sam Moseley, returning from a season’s absence due to injury, added a flamboyant 22 and teenager Ollie Baker batted wristily for 20 as Rowledge posted a useful 209-8 off their 50 overs.

Sparsholt, after losing opener Jeremy Frith to Jake Wish the score on nought, rallied well in dismal conditions, with Mike Haworth (44 not out) and and Sam O’Brien (17 not out) taking them to 66-1 in 16 overs before drizzle turned into heavy rain.