PORTLAND RT 333-5 (20pts) beat BRANKSOME & PARKSTONE 71 (2pts) by 262 runs

A MAIDEN Portland century for Olly Whisker helped the islanders blow away Branksome & Parkstone at Reforne in County Division Two.

Portland’s resounding victory sets them up nicely for Saturday's home clash with Bournemouth Thirds, the side that brought an end to Christchurch’s 100 per cent record last weekend.

Island skipper Matt Randell lost the toss against Branksome & Parkstone and the visitors’ decision to bowl looked a good one when they had Portland at 44-2.

But Tim Forshaw and Whisker put on 57 for the third wicket before the former got out to a good ball just before drinks.

Dave Adkins (75) then joined Whisker (106 not out) and the two built a superb partnership of 159 for the fourth wicket.

Adkins was dismissed with seven overs to go but Randell (10) and Callan Laws (30 not out) stroked the ball around as the Portland innings closed on a magnificent 333-5.

Portland went out to bowl feeling confident with plenty of runs on the board, and Simon Proffitt (2-22) and Gary Randell (3-27) struck early to leave their opponents reeling on 49-5.

The visitors made it to 71 by the time the next wicket fell but that was as far as they got – they lost their last four batsmen for no runs.

Matt Barrett finished with 2-8 and there were also two good run outs from Proffitt and Chris Theakstone.

“Olly batted really well,” said islanders’ skipper Randell. “I knew at the start of the day that if he could bat all the way through we had batsman who could score quickly around him.

“He gave no chances throughout the 45 overs which always shows it is a good hundred.

“It was his first for the club but I’m sure it’s not going to be his last.

“We spoke at the start of the day about needing to win every game from now on and the boys showed how much pushing for promotion meant to them.”

In Division Five, Portland Seconds were put to the sword at Blandford Seconds, losing by 274 runs. They go to Cerne Valley Seconds on Saturday.