SKIPPER Chris Park hailed “destructive” Ed Denham’s century as he guided Bournemouth to victory at Old Tauntonians & Romsey.

Lions all-rounder Denham struck a run-a-ball 106 to help his side post 226 all out from their 50 overs in a rain-affected encounter at Romsey Sports Centre.

His innings included 12 fours and three sixes to get Park’s side out of trouble, having struggled at 46 for four early on.

The Chapel Gate captain told the Daily Echo: “Ed is a destructive batsman and a very good golfer as well, so his hand-eye co-ordination is second to none.

“Having been 46 for four, he really came to the party and it was great to see one of our top five batsmen getting a hundred.

“He is a talented cricketer and he timed it from his first ball. It just seemed to be every over he was hitting a bad ball for four.

“He has always been a very trustworthy player. He is very reliable and consistent, even in his Dorset days he was in the runs really.

“We always knew he had batting talent but back in the younger days when he was bowling quite a lot of overs, it was always considered he didn’t bat very high.

“But he punished the bad balls which came along and, with the field spread, he rotated the strike really well.

“In being in a little bit of a sticky situation it was good to see people step up. George Wilson and Martin Miller also contributed and hopefully now things stay dry for the next couple of weeks and we can get some consistency and a bit of form.”

Denham was given fine support from Wilson (24) and Miller (21) as Bournemouth put themselves in the box seat at the close of innings.

Opening bowler Jacob Folkestone took five for 42 for the hosts, including three of Lions’ top four batsmen.

With Old Tauntonians’ run chase being revised to 197 to win from 38 overs due to a downpour, Bournemouth’s bowlers held their nerve with the wet ball to triumph by 66 runs.

They restricted the hosts to 130 for nine.

Despite the damp conditions, spinner Rob Pack was the pick of the bowlers for Lions. He picked up four for 36 from his 10 overs. Jake Hurley claimed two for 23.

Park added: “The bowling conditions weren’t ideal but we got our heads down and put in a good performance.”

Lions have won back-to-back games to begin their campaign in Southern League Division One, having beaten Andover on the opening day of the season.

They host Liphook & Ripsley at Chapel Gate on Saturday (12.30pm). Liphook are yet to win a game this season, having been bowled out for 58 on the opening day against Sarisbury Athletic.

Their clash with Hook & Newnham Basics was abandoned after 39 overs on Saturday.