Champions BAT Sports clawed their way back from the brink of defeat to beat newly-promoted Alton by one run in a nerve-racking ECB Southern Electric Premier League match at the Jubilee Ground.

All appeared lost when BAT sank to 63-7, chasing Alton's 178 all out.

But eighth-wicket pair Rob Franklin and Nigel Bungay turned the match on its head with an 89-run partnership, which steered BAT to within touching distance of a remarkable win.

Alton still grabbed two more wickets, but were unable to dislodge Franklin, whose unbeaten 60 proved priceless.

Alton's innings went in fits and starts, with Richie Morgan (44) prominent at the start and Bruce Oliphant having to hold the ship together after the hosts had dropped to 77-4.

James Hibberd (3-28) did some early damage and Pat Turk (3-59) the five wicket hero of the previous week's win over Portsmouth chipped away in the middle.

But Oliphant remained resolute, clouting 73 and was last out to a third catch by Ricky Rawlins at 178.

Alton struck an immediate blow when Jeremy Pang-Kessler trapped BAT debutant Simon Barnard leg before.

Lee Savident looked assured, but saw numerous partners depart to Julian Ballinger (6-60) as BAT spooned up a succession of catches and lurched to 63-7 of which Savident made 50 !.

A BAT victory appeared out of the question at that stage except to Franklin and Bungay (44) !

The pair wrested the initiative away from Alton with their 89-run stand to give BAT an unexpected chance of winning at 152-7.

Once the stand was broken, Alton homed in on a much-needed victory, but Franklin was bating superbly and went on to win a remarkable match with his 60 not out.