MICHAEL Porter’s maiden ECB Southern Premier League century steered Bashley to a 47-run win over Alton at the Jubilee Ground.

The Bashley skipper had passed 50 on 11 previous occasions prior to his previous best 87 he made against Havant last season, writes Mike Vimpany.

But his 113, which underpinned Bashley’s 272 for six, proved a match-winner against the Brewers, who fell away from 152 for three to 225, the last five wickets falling for 35.

Porter’s ton came with Bashley openers Dan Andrew and Josh Digby back in the pavilion at 40 for two and came after he had shared a patient century partnership with Bournemouth University skipper Tim Taylor (50), a stand which enabled the visitors to control the game.

The slow outfield meant boundaries were at a premium, Taylor breaching the rope only three times and Porter clearing them three times, in addition to hitting five fours.

Nonetheless, their stand proved pivotal and enabled Bashley’s middle-order to all chip in and secure a demanding total.

“The key factor was that Tim and myself managed to rotate the strike so well and had the scoreboard ticking along at five and six an over," said Porter.

South African Mario Marais, who hit the fastest treble century in first class cricket for his provincial side Border this winter, became the first of three victims for Devonian Dan Goodey (3-55) when Alton replied.

His dismissal left Michael Heffernan (90) and Scott Myers (46) to lead Alton’s unlikely run chase, but at 152 for three the Brewers were in the game.

“Even with Alton’s reply at that stage, I never felt we were on the back foot,” Porter said.

“We always had the situation under control, with Josh Digby’s 10-over spell particularly effective.”

Commendably, Heffernan was still there at 220 for eight but, chasing his first SPL 100 since 2005, eventually ran out of partners as Alton finished 47 runs short at 225.