ALTON carried out a damage-limitation exercise to earn what could prove to be valuable points from a draw at Bashley in the Southern Premier League.

A sixth-wicket stand of 66 between Mark Heffernan and Michael Salmon steered the Brewers to 197-5 in answer to the home side’s formidable 262-9. Salmon and Joe Paul, who faced 145 balls for a gutsy 53, both completed maiden Premier Division fifties.

Heavy traffic meant that Alton, despite an early start, arrived only in time for the toss and went straight out into the field after inserting Bashley on a track that looked bowler-friendly.

A chance went begging in Ben Mortimer’s first over, but the surface was slow and low rather than helpful and Bashley invariably punished anything loose. Any stroke that pierced the circle was sure to run for four over the arid outfield.

Julian Ballinger and Mike Salmon were the most effective bowlers. Salmon dismissed opener Neil Thurgood (50) and the aggressive Phil Morris in quick succession and later returned to remove Pat Holly for a game-changing 51, all clean-bowled.

Off-spinner Ballinger added yet another five-wicket haul to his collection, using all his experience to outsmart batsmen.

Chasing 262 was always going to be a tough ask and Alton would have to be on their game right from the start. Unfortunately, Marco Marais was caught off Simon Ridley’s third ball and it would be another four overs before Alton troubled the scorers. However, Michael Heffernan and Joe Paul showed true grit in difficult conditions and built a solid foundation with a partnership of 72.

It was only broken when a smart stop and throw, plus a mix-up between the batsmen, left Heffernan stranded and run out for 45.

Paul recovered his composure, but Alton’s lingering hopes of victory faded as Josh Digby dismissed Dan Harris and Scott Myers in quick succession and then Paul, after reaching his half-century, was trapped in front by Holly.

Mark Heffernan (31 not out) and Michael Salmon (50 not out off 55 balls) knew what they had to do and batted with real resolution to ensure a losing draw for their side.

• Alton’s defence of the recently won SPL T20 Cup ended on Sunday when they lost by five wickets to Division One side Portsmouth at St Helens Field.

Joe Paul top-scored with 26 as an under-strength Alton posted a modest 122. The home side did not have it all their own way, but opener Fraser Hay’s 46 off 43 balls and a late blast from keeper Alex Hammond, who hit 33 off just 15 balls, ensured victory for Portsmouth with nine balls to spare. Tom Paul was the pick of Alton’s bowlers with 2-17 off his four overs.

Cup holders Alton still have the National T20 to look forward to and will play the Kent winners at Horsham on July 29.