ALTON 2nd XI continued to struggle in the Southern Premier League Division Three and lost to Purbrook by 143 runs at the Jubilee Ground.

Pat Sampson and Steve Ball bowled economical opening spells after the visitors had elected to bat, but without much luck, and openers Martin Lee and James Holder both completed half-centuries.

Purbrook, 198-2, then shifted gear and although wickets tumbled to Dan Scott and Ian Carpenter, closed on a formidable 273-8.

In reply, Alton were in disarray at 11-4, with James Gurney (3-23) wreaking havoc. Ed Hubbard, returning after two years away, made the score respectable with a defiant 54 before Alton were dismissed for 130.

• Alton III broke their duck in County 4?North, beating Sparsholt II by four runs in a nailbiter at Jubilee. Skipper Ian Mason (59) and fellow opener Neil Heffernan (42) led the way before a collapse reduced Alton to 184-9.

Steve Scott then took 4-29 and Andy Pearce 3-27, and captain Andy Worth’s 55 was not quite enough to win the game for Sparsholt who lost their last wicket at 180.