Alton picked up a draw from their trip to Bashley (Rydal) in the Southern Premier Cricket League Premier Division on Saturday after rain brought an early end to the match.

The Brewers went into the vital clash without their leading wicket taker Bash Walters – Alton’s overseas strike bowler failed a late fitness test so Toby Salmon came into the side.

Alton also welcomed back Dan Harris, Sam Ruffell and Tom South to their ranks as they travelled down to the New Forest.

On another damp morning it was another toss lost and the home side had no hesitation in bowling first.

Because of the early morning rain the start time was pushed back to 11.30am.

With the overheads looking bowler-friendly Alton openers Ryan Hale and Harris took the field knowing it would not be easy. 

Ten runs came from Dan Goodey’s opening over, and Harris then struck another boundary as Alton made a positive start.

Harris then latched on to a short ball from George Pardoe, but the Alton opener’s crunching pull shot went straight to Preetpal Singh who held on at the second attempt.

Harris departed for four with Alton on 14.

Things then got worse for the Brewers as Pardoe took a wicket in each of his opening three overs. He bowled Ruffell for four and Hale for ten as Alton collapsed to 25 for three.

Goodey then got in on the act when an accurate away swinging delivery found the edge of skipper Scott Myers’ bat. Michael Porter completed a good catch at first slip as Alton crumbled to 25 for four.

A rebuild was required as Mark Heffernan joined his elder brother Michael.

Despite the loss of wickets, Alton’s run rate remained healthy. The pair were watchful but were able to capitalise on anything loose on a good surface. They added 50 off 72 balls and began to frustrate the home side.

Goodey resorted to the short ball tactic, but with no luck, as Alton edged towards three figures. As Alton were looking to get themselves back into the match a change of pace from the home side brought the breakthrough.

Michael Heffernan was trapped in front off the bowling of Josh Digby for 31, ending a partnership of 66, and it was soon 91 for six as Mark Heffernan was strangled down the leg side off the bowling of Singh for 30.

Once again Alton were six wickets down at lunch and needing significant contributions from the lower order.

South and Tom Andrews made good progress post-lunch, but again just as Alton were getting a foothold Andrews was caught for 18 off George Wilson. Alton were now 128 for seven.

South continued to work the ball around and Dan Sumner made ten before being given out leg before wicket off the bowling of Joe Huns. Alton were now 149 for eight. Wilson got his second as he bowled Salmon for a duck, and when South was bowled by Joe Huns for a well-made 30 Alton were all out for 155 in the 44th over.

Despite clearly being below par Alton had something to bowl at. Tom Varney and Andrews took the new ball and both started well. William Tripcony could not keep out an Andrews delivery as he was clean bowled for five, to leave Bashley on nine for one.

Varney bowled a superb opening spell – and Goodey played and missed on a number of occasions. When Varney did find the edge the ball flew to gully, but unfortunately for the Brewers Andrews could not hold on. Varney bowled seven overs for just eight runs.

Sumner, who has been in good form with the ball, came into the attack. Finn Gordon clipped one to Salmon at midwicket, who completed a good low catch to leave Bashley on 31 for two. Michael Porter came to the crease with Alton looking to seize the initiative.

A huge appeal was turned down as Sumner trapped Porter in front early in his innings, as Bashley made it to tea without further loss.

Post-tea Alton knew they would need early wickets.

Alton continued with spin as South and Sumner pushed for the breakthrough. South thought he had his man when Goodey looked to cut the left armer away and Mark Heffernan completed a smart take, but the caught behind appeal from the visitors was turned down. Goodey soon reached his half-century and Bashley moved to three figures.

With the clouds closing in rain began to fall with the home side comfortably placed at 108 for two. Goodey was unbeaten on 56 and Porter on 31.

The rain continued to fall, and with no further play possible the game ended in a draw.

Bashley were ahead of the game so the home side took the winning draw and Alton were left with just five points.

The Brewers will look to return to winning ways when they entertain high-flying Havant this Saturday.