A SUPERB stand of 127 between James Haggaty and Dan Loader helped New Milton to a crucial victory over Southern Premier League rivals Alton at Fernhill Sports Ground.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Milton were in all sorts of trouble at 63 for six.

That brought Loader to the crease and he and Haggaty produced a remarkable recovery to help New Milton post a competitive total.

Loader showed great resilience to score 47 from 86 deliveries and aid Haggaty, who struck seven fours and two sixes on his way to top scoring with 88.

The Green & Golds were eventually bowled out for 205 in 48.4 overs.

In reply, and after the early dismissal of Alton’s Abeed Janmohamed, Alex Hammond (42) and Daniel Harris (46) took the score to 93 before both became victims of Nick Gargaro's spin (2-37).

And from that point, the New Milton bowlers turned the screw, taking wickets at key times to eventually dismiss Alton for 172 to secure their fourth league victory of the campaign, ending a run of three straight losses.

George Watts was the pick of the New Milton attack, returning figures of 3-28 from his eight overs. Haggaty also got in on the act with two wickets for just five runs, while Ryan Beck (2-50) also chipped in.