SIMON Watkins enjoyed the perfect start to life as Bashley’s permanent captain – with a little help from predecessor Richard Morris.

BCG stalwart Morris, who ended his four-year stint as skipper earlier this month due to work commitments, ably supported Michael Porter’s unbeaten 122 in free-scoring Bashley’s 58-run triumph at Ventnor.

Former-Hampshire Academy ace Porter walloped 11 fours with Morris plundering 74 from 71 deliveries during a third-wicket stand of 130.

Ex-Parley man Tom Jacques (42) and Porter managed a further 84 for the fifth wicket as Bashley set their Isle-of-Wight hosts a daunting total of 308.

Despite the early dismissal of opener Rob Snell (22), Ventnor belied their sizeable task with Marc-Antony Eysele (82) and Sean Willis (70) taking the hosts to 181 for three before Kevin Nash (3-41) lowered the duo’s colours in quick succession.

Bashley’s Thomas Andrews (2-38) and Josh Digby (2-48) joined the party to curtail any hopes Ventnor harboured of a middle-order rally with the wicket of Hugh Calloway (44) one of the last acts.

In the end, Ventnor were restricted to 250 for eight as Bashley registered back-to-back wins under the guidance of Watkins, whose interim position as captain was made permanent last week.