Bashley (Rydal)'s difficult start to the Southern Premier Cricket League (SPCL) Premier Division season continued as they slipped to a seven-wicket defeat against second-placed Alton at Jubilee Playing Fields on Saturday.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Bashley quickly found themselves under pressure against a disciplined Alton attack. Openers Saifullah Achakzai and Alex Bourne both fell cheaply, leaving the hosts 31-2 and immediately on the back foot.

The standout performer for Bashley was captain Michael Porter, who produced a battling 59 from 74 balls. His innings included five fours and two sixes and accounted for almost half of his side's total. Jack Stearman provided valuable support with 34, but no other Bashley batter reached double figures.

A key turning point came after Porter and Stearman had guided Bashley to 85-2. Once Stearman was dismissed, wickets fell regularly, and the innings unravelled. Bashley lost their final eight wickets for just 43 runs, with three ducks adding to their problems. Louis Prichard, George Wilson and Alvin Cameron all departed without scoring, while Cameron's dismissal completed the innings at 128 in just 35.5 overs.

Alton's bowlers shared the rewards. Bash Walters claimed 3-25, including the prized wicket of Porter, while Fred Egleston's economical 3-13 from 5.5 overs helped finish off the lower order. Alton were also aided by 14 wides from the Bashley innings.

Chasing 129, Alton made a confident start through Abhay Gonella, who struck 33 from 29 balls, including six boundaries. Although Bashley briefly threatened when Louis Prichard removed Gonella, and Cameron Basey dismissed Sam Ruffell, the visitors remained in control.

Alex Corbett contributed 33 before the decisive partnership came from Olly Boulton and Scott Myers. Boulton anchored the chase superbly with an unbeaten 52, reaching his half-century before guiding Alton to victory with more than 20 overs to spare.

There were some encouraging moments for Bashley with wickets shared between Prichard, Basey and Alex Bourne, whose lone over produced a wicket maiden, but the modest target never seriously troubled the visitors.

The result leaves Bashley still searching for their first league win of the campaign.

Bashley (Rydal) will look for their first win of the season at the Bashley Cricket Ground (BCG) on Saturday at 11am against Bournemouth.