 Matt Burton 4-29 |  Arthur Godsal 3-32 |
A devastating spell of seam bowling by Matt Burton and Arthur Godsal sent Alton crashing to 73 all out in only 18 overs and pointed South Wilts to a thumping seven-wicket victory that saw them climb into second place in the ECB Southern Premier Division table.
Burton’s 4-29 return took his wicket taking tally to 13 in the past three matches, while Godsal took 3-32 as Alton saw half their side back in the Bemerton pavilion with only eight runs on the board.
At 44-8 they were facing one of the Premier Division’s lowest totals in 21 years, but at least spared themselves that embarrassment before South Wilts polished off their dismal 73 in less than 11 overs.
“Matty and Arthur bowled really well in overcast conditions by continually putting the new ball in good areas. It was quality bowling that produced some snicks behind,” smiled skipper Ben Draper.
Alton, having lost a crucial toss, saw openers Abhay Gonella and Tom South perish before Burton completed his first over.
Before the Brewers knew where they were, Hampshire prospect Fletcha Middleton had been trapped leg before by Godsall, Dan Harris caught by Peter Rowe, and Scott Myers superbly run out by Godsal. Five wickets down for eight runs.
Burton’s 4-29 return took his wicket taking tally to 13 in the past three matches, while Godsal took 3-32 as Alton saw half their side back in the Bemerton pavilion with only eight runs on the board.
At 44-8 they were facing one of the Premier Division’s lowest totals in 21 years, but at least spared themselves that embarrassment before South Wilts polished off their dismal 73 in less than 11 overs.
“Matty and Arthur bowled really well in overcast conditions by continually putting the new ball in good areas. It was quality bowling that produced some snicks behind,” smiled skipper Ben Draper.
Alton, having lost a crucial toss, saw openers Abhay Gonella and Tom South perish before Burton completed his first over.
Before the Brewers knew where they were, Hampshire prospect Fletcha Middleton had been trapped leg before by Godsall, Dan Harris caught by Peter Rowe, and Scott Myers superbly run out by Godsal. Five wickets down for eight runs.
Ryan Hale battles to keep Alton afloat
Ryan Hale (31), with brief support from teenager Jude Wright and Mark Heffernan, did his best to lead some Alton resistance but Burton and Godsal continued to create inroads and leave the visitors 44-8.
Stephen Warner eventually had Hale caught behind to give Draper his fourth victim and his 17th of an eventful half-summer behind the stumps. Alton 73 all out.
Stephen Warner eventually had Hale caught behind to give Draper his fourth victim and his 17th of an eventful half-summer behind the stumps. Alton 73 all out.
 Jack Stearman's bails fly ...,. |  Bash Walters (3-26) gets Peter Rowe too ... |
Bash Walters, who opens the bowling for the Eastern Province in South African provincial cricket, nipped out Jack Stearman and Peter Rowe, but Tom Morton punished anything loose and quickly hit a six and five boundaries in scoring 34 out of the initial 42 runs South Wilts scored.
Walters got him too before Draper emerged from the Bemerton pavilion to hit an unbeaten 29 and complete the formalities.
South Wilts’ fourth straight win since being thrashed by Bashley (Rydal) in the opening round of fixtures lifted them to second place in the log behind Bournemouth, whose seven-wicket victory over the Hampshire Academy has given them an eight-point lead at the top.
Walters got him too before Draper emerged from the Bemerton pavilion to hit an unbeaten 29 and complete the formalities.
South Wilts’ fourth straight win since being thrashed by Bashley (Rydal) in the opening round of fixtures lifted them to second place in the log behind Bournemouth, whose seven-wicket victory over the Hampshire Academy has given them an eight-point lead at the top.
Tom Morton punches a four
Photographic montage courtesy of Howard Gadsby
