ALTON’S search for the victory that would seal their top-flight status in the Southern Premier League goes to the last week of the season. Despite an improved performance on Saturday, they lost to Hampshire Academy by 23 runs at Jubilee.

Other results mean that Alton need two points from their final match at Burridge this Saturday to make sure of their place in next season’s Premier Division.

Andover, the only team below the Brewers, host New Milton in their last game.

Scott Meyer inserted the Academy, but although Toby Salmon and Sean Jamison took a quick wicket apiece, England U19 player Felix Organ and the talented Tom Scriven eased the visitors into a strong position with a stand of 172.

Both were approaching three figures when Alton finally had a bit of luck. Keeper Hugo Scriven ran out Scriven for 98 and Organ was superbly caught by skipper Myers for 94. By then, Academy were 208-4 and they moved smoothly to 251-6 from their 50 overs.

Alton needed a decent start, but although Alex Hammond looked in good touch for his 32, the hosts were in trouble at 70-4 and then 97-5.

The Heffernan brothers added 41 and Alton were 136-6 when Jamison joined Mark Heffernan.

Continuing his good run of form, Heffernan reached his half-century and the stand was worth 74 when he fell for a hard-fought 59.

Alton were always behind the rate and despite some late blows from Jamison (44 not out off 41 balls) the Brewers finished on 228-7 and had to be content with eight points.2nd XI live in hopeAlton 2nd XI continued their fight for survival in the SPL Division Three with a gritty two-wicket victory at Purbrook. On a difficult pitch, Alton dismissed the home side for 117. Lee Partner and Steve Ball both picked up three wickets, but the pick of the attack was young Freddie Egleston with 4-17 in 8.2 overs. After a nervy run-chase, Alton edged home with five balls to spare. Alton still need to beat visitors Fair Oak this Saturday and hope that other results go their way.