It meant Ian Mason’s men had gone through the league season with a 100 per cent record – as have Liphook after the game between the two top sides was rained off earlier in the year.
Jack Soper (31) was the only home batter to make a significant contribution, before he was removed by Lucas Pearce (one for nine) and Lee Partner (two for 14) and Luke Crook (one for 10) polished off the innings with the score at 94.
Sam Parrot was removed early in reply, but Tom Green (47 not out) and Sam Crook (40 not out) guided Alton home without further trouble – and led to league title celebrations back at Jubilee Fields.
Alton’s second team secured a mid-table finish and avoided relegation on the final day of the season as a ruthless bowling performance set up a comfortable eight-wicket win against Old Basing in Division One of the Hampshire Cricket League on Saturday.
Despite some early rain threatening the game, Old Basing elected to bat after winning the toss – and the Brewers immediately made the most of the opportunity to bowl first in helpful conditions.
Michael Salmon (two for 35) and Arul Appavoo (one for 30) started well for the home side, making early inroads with the new ball as the visitors struggled to settle into their innings and slipped to 35 for three.
Toby Salmon (four for 37) then continued his good form and kept up the pressure on the visitors as his aggressive fast bowling once again tore through the middle order, while at the other end Wilf Bridger (two for 13) was able to keep the ball moving to further Old Basing’s issues.
Tom Holbrook (33 not out) provided some resistance to lift his side, but he ran out of partners and the Brewers were firmly on top and bowled the visitors out for 120.
Looking to keep up the momentum, the Brewers started strongly as Ryan Hale (45) and Andy Postles (25) put on a brisk 62 for the first wicket before Howard Gadsby (22 not out) and Joe Paul (21 not out) were able to cruise home for the Brewers’ third successive victory.
A strong finish to the season for the Brewers has left them ending the season in 13th place, with sights on climbing the table next season.
Alton first team’s game against Lymington in the Southern Premier Cricket League Premier Division was a victim of the weather on Saturday – being washed out without a ball being bowled.
Alton face third-placed South Wilts at home on Saturday in the last league game of the season, needing to better Totton’s points haul to ensure safety.
Bottom side Totton face seventh-placed Lymington.
On Sunday, September 10 the Brewers travel to South Wilts to face Bashley in the Southern Premier Cricket League Twenty20 Cup final.
Alton celebrated their annual president’s day on Sunday, with many current and former players in attendance for the festivities.
There was a festive atmosphere all day as the club played an innovative three-team format to give as many people as possible a chance to play for the Burchett-Yates trophy.
President Lewis Jones thanked all of those in attendance and who have made a contribution to the club in this and previous years.