New Milton Women’s 1XI continued their impressive run with a 26-run victory away at Alton in a high-scoring contest, despite travelling with just 10 players.

Batting first, New Milton made full use of a good surface. Swara Urankar got the innings underway before being joined by Grace Keating, our overseas, in the fourth over, and the pair soon took control with a superb partnership worth 182.

Urankar narrowly missed out on a century, run out for an excellent 91 thanks to sharp work from Alton’s wicketkeeper, while Keating produced a standout innings, carrying her bat to finish unbeaten on 139. Tilda Mowat added a valuable 23, while contributions from the younger players ensured New Milton maintained momentum to post an imposing 283/4.

Defending a large total on a batter-friendly wicket was never going to be straightforward, but New Milton made the perfect start as Beth Cassidy struck with the second ball of Alton’s reply to remove the opener. Cassidy added a second wicket to keep the pressure on early.

Alton responded positively in pursuit of their target, scoring freely, but New Milton continued to break partnerships at key moments. Jess Glover, Izzy Hill and Urankar all picked up wickets, each claiming a bowled dismissal as the visitors kept themselves in control of the chase.

Fielding proved crucial, with Lucia Hill and Keating both producing two run outs apiece to maintain pressure and deny Alton any sustained momentum.

With 30 runs required from the final two overs, New Milton tightened their grip with disciplined fielding and composure under pressure, closing out the match with 1.5 overs remaining.

Alton finished on 257 after a spirited chase, but New Milton’s all-round performance secured another maximum points victory, strengthening their position near the top of the table.