Michael Heffernan's first Southern Premier League century since 2002 when Alton were a Division 3 club came to no avail as Aussie Joe Merlino smashed 15 sixes in an unbeaten 157 at Locks Lane.
Heffernan made 116 and Merlino 157 not out. Sparsholt, chasing 310-2, won by eight wickets.
Sparsholt can expect a sterner test at West Parley when they face fellow unbeaten SPL3 side Parley, who bowled Gosport Borough out for 101 to win by nine wickets, Kieran Laird hitting 56*.
Third placed Fareham & Crofton posted 215 (Joneil Richards 71) and bowled Hook & Newnham Basics out for 147. Will Wyatt took 4-42 before making 50. Kevin Light scored is 3,000th run in Hook colours.
Paulton scored their first win by overhauling Hursley Park's 145 and winning by two wickets, Rob Pike's 55 proving key.
Heffernan made 116 and Merlino 157 not out. Sparsholt, chasing 310-2, won by eight wickets.
Sparsholt can expect a sterner test at West Parley when they face fellow unbeaten SPL3 side Parley, who bowled Gosport Borough out for 101 to win by nine wickets, Kieran Laird hitting 56*.
Third placed Fareham & Crofton posted 215 (Joneil Richards 71) and bowled Hook & Newnham Basics out for 147. Will Wyatt took 4-42 before making 50. Kevin Light scored is 3,000th run in Hook colours.
Paulton scored their first win by overhauling Hursley Park's 145 and winning by two wickets, Rob Pike's 55 proving key.
