BOURNEMOUTH skipper Chris Park insisted batsman Luke Webb had cruised into top gear during his explosive century against Old Tauntonians & Romsey.

The Lions star recorded his second Southern Premier League Division One ton of the campaign having smashed an unbeaten 133 from 127 deliveries.

Webb’s classy knock, which included six maximums, helped the league leaders to a 66-run triumph at Chapel Gate, their ninth win from 11 games.

Park told the Daily Echo: “It was a very good performance all round. Webby again was fantastic and very destructive.

“As soon as he was in on 70 or 80 with 10 overs left – some of the sixes he hit were unbelievable and he is enjoying batting at Bournemouth at the moment.

“He plays in third gear and, when he wants to go to fifth gear, he can. Clearing the boundary by 25 yards is quite a huge hit at Bournemouth.

“Our job during the final 10 overs was just to give him the strike. He deserved that role having worked hard for two hours knocking the bowlers around and finding the pace of the pitch.

“Having secured his university degree, he is concentrating on cricket now and enjoying playing with a little bit of freedom.”

Since signing for Lions in June, Webb has scored an impressive 341 runs from five innings at an average of just less than 114.

“It’s great that he has come straight in and, in five games, managed to get two big hundreds. It’s brilliant to have him on board and long may his form continue,” added Park.

“Nick, my brother, has been leading our batting for the past couple years. He is still three runs ahead of him but Webby adds another strength to our line-up.”

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Webb was in early against Old Tauntonians following the dismissal of opener Nick Park (7) with the score on 15.

He set the platform in a second-wicket stand of 111 with Tom West (52).

The 22-year-old’s impressive late burst came alongside captain Park, whose score of 52 from 46 balls helped guide Lions to 257 for three from their 50 overs.

Old Tauntonians were bowled out for 191 in reply with eight deliveries to spare. Jovan Dhariwal (52) top scored.

Eight of the visitors’ wickets fell to spin with Jem Warner (3-35), Dom Clutterbuck (2-28), Rob Pack (2-50) and Jake Hurley (1-19) all chipping in.

Opening pace bowler Dan Conway (2-37) also played a key role.

“To get to 257 was probably par but, to be fair to Old Tauntonians, they were right in the game,” added Park.

“But then we had the experience of Dan Conway to come back on when needed and get a key breakthrough when they were starting to accelerate.”

Lions on Saturday visit Liphook & Ripsley (12.30pm), one of only two sides to have beaten them this season.