TOM Morton led from the front with a century as South Wilts opened their Southern League Premier Division challenge with a 29-run win over Alton at the Jubilee Ground.

Morton, with two sixes and 12 fours in his 112, shared a half-century launch with Peter Rowe (22) before adding 118 with James Hayward (63), a partnership which was to prove a match winner.

Ben Draper (27) added useful runs before becoming one of four victims for Toby Salmon (4-57) before South Wilts closed at 272 all out.

Alton openers Ryan Covey (36) and Michael Heffernan (36) put on 77 before Luke Evans took a diving catch to give Steve Warner the first of his two victims.

Mark Heffernan (46) and New Zealander Matt Bacon, with a whirlwind 53 from just 27 balls, kept Alton in the chase, but once Matt Burton caught the Otago cricketer off the bowling of Art Godsal (2-42) the game swung dramatically back in favour of South Wilts, who eventually dismissed Alton for 243.

Shrewton raised Will Harries, on Southern League debut, looked an exciting prospect finishing with four wickets for 37 runs from his 10 overs.

This weekend South Wilts will be looking to make it two of out two as they open their home league campaign with a visit from Basingstoke and North Hants.

The Hampshire visitors, who fourth last season lost their opening game of the season against Bournemouth last weekend.

The Bountymen are expected to have their overseas player Brad Porteous making his debut having flown in from South Africa this week.