Alton 3rd XI claimed their second successive league championship and promotion by topping Hampshire league Div 4 North after beating South Winchester IIs by 68 runs in the season finale.

Alton had been chased by Sparsholt at the top of the table all season and needed to beat South Winchester IIs to ensure they took the title.

Batting first on a green surface, Howard Gadsby (26) and Nilanka Kodithuwakku were patient against the threatening new ball spell from Dan Rides (1-32). Once Gadsby departed, Ethan Van Der Linde (42) struck the ball nicely and increased the scoring rate and took the Brewers towards 150.

Both Kodithuwakku (64) and Van Der Line departed close together, but Michael Salmon (22) and Ian Mason (29), followed by Luke Crook (16*) took the visitors to an imposing 244 from 45 overs and claimed maximum batting points.

Alton’s bowlers were soon threatening, with Salmon (3-19) taking two quick wickets and Ian Carpenter (1-29) having the home side in trouble.

Shilpan Shah (23) batted nicely until he was removed by Toby Taylor (2-11) who bowled very nicely, and Alton were in control.

Michael Pollard made a well constructed 46, and he was supparted bu the big hitting Haider Bangash who hit four huge sixes in his 32. However, when he was caught by Van Der Linde from the leg-spin of Jaimie Craig (1-22) and Luke Crook (1-38) cartwheeled Dan Rides middle stump, Alton were on the brink.

Skipper Lee Partner (1-36) tempted the lower order, but although Alton could not quite tease out the last wicket the 3rd XI Brewers could celebrate a comfortable win and their second consecutive league title.