ST Cross Symondians, or more specifically Jimmy Adams, batted Alton out of the game at the Greenjackets Ground on Saturday.

The Hampshire player scored his third century in four innings as the Southern Premier League leaders plundered the Alton bowling for 312-7 in their 50 overs.

The Brewers elected to field and Ben Mortimer bowled captain Tom Foyle with his third delivery.

To say it was a false dawn would be an understatement as Harry Came joined Adams in a partnership of 199. When Adams was fifth man out, bowled by Julian Ballinger, the left-hander had struck 144 off 127 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes.

Came made 77 and Ed Ellis a fluent 48, and in the circumstances, Dan Scott’s 3-44 in nine overs, was a decent return.

On a rainy afternoon, Alton’s revised target was 256 from 41 overs, but the shellacking had clearly affected them and an early finish looked in prospect as Ian Holland and Jack Bransgrove reduced the visitors to 6-3 and then 18-4.

However, Scott Myers and Mark Heffernan got their heads down and ensured respectability, and batting points, with a stand of 87. Heffernan made 40 and a further partnership of 46 followed between Myers and Mortimer.

Myers was finally trapped in front for 65 (106 balls), while the powerful Mortimer livened things up with 40 not out off 38 balls, including eight fours and a six. Alton ended the day on 180-6 – good enough for seven points.

Hampshire Academy visit the Jubilee Ground this Saturday.

An unbroken stand of 75 between Michael Heffernan (72 not out) and Andy Postles (30 not out) clinched a nine-wicket victory for Alton 2nd XI over Ropley in the Hampshire League County One local derby. Rain played a prominent part, although Alton bowled well to dismiss Ropley for 146 (Matt Donaldson 41, Shaun Udal 31), Andy Pearce taking 3-8. Alton’s adjusted target was 122 and they lost just one wicket in getting the runs.