CHRISTCHURCH 335-9 (20pts) beat PORTLAND RT 215 (9pts) by 120 runs

CHRISTCHURCH continued their march towards the County Division Two title on a day when batsmen from both sides compiled centuries at Hurn Bridge Sports Club.

Portland lost the toss and after Simon Proffitt (1-59) bowled home opener Luke Bealey for four the hosts took the game to the islanders.

Tony Robinson (33), George Harvey (31) and Rhys Dear (26) all made starts but it was Liam Bowater who went on to really shine with the bat.

Skipper Matt Randell (2-53), Gary Randell (1-33) and Rob Townley (2-61) picked up wickets, however, none of them could dismiss Bowater.

The Christchurch man did give the visitors a couple of chances to send him back to the pavilion but Bowater and Tom Hughes added 77 for the fifth wicket.

And even when Portland eventually managed to dismiss Bowater for a 53-ball 108 – a knock which featured seven boundaries and nine maximums – the home side’s lower order scored another 77.

G Bowater’s rapid 34 from 18 balls included two sixes and five fours as the islanders’ bowlers were put to the sword after Jon Cameron (2-50) and Townley had tied up the middle overs.

Matt Barrett (2-53) claimed the last two wickets of the innings and Christchurch finished on 335-9.

Portland went out to bat looking to chase down the runs but struggled after losing early wickets.

James Cross (5-38) did most of the damage, the seamer dismissing Chris League (10), Simon Barrett (0), Matt Randell (1) and Callan Laws (0), while Elliott Sawyer was bowled by T Marsh for 18.

However, Dave Adkins made a superb 105 but had to stand and watch the wickets fall around him.

Gary Randell looked good on 34 before taking a short ball to the face and leaving the field for a few overs.

Portland fell 120 runs short of victory as Christchurch made it 12 wins from 12.

“I wouldn’t have said we were outclassed on the day,” said Triangle skipper Randell. “I thought it was competitive but Christchurch had all of the luck go their way.

“There were two hundreds scored which shows how good the pitch was, so it’s a shame we didn't chase the runs down.

"Dave’s hundred was flawless, he didn't give a chance the whole way through, and showed class and skill throughout.

"Their centurion struck the ball well but at the same time gave us chances and we felt we could have got him out.”