BATTING stars Alex Kennedy and Tom Wilkinson fired for Bournemouth as they reaffirmed their title credentials.

Beaten for the first time this season in their previous clash, the Division One championship favourites showed their determination to claim the silverware by thumping depleted Henstridge.

Henstridge, who only had nine players for the fixture against the Sunday League big guns, were soon made to pay as Bournemouth prospered in the sunshine.

And once Kennedy and Wilkinson had steered their team to a commanding 278 for two batting first, there was no way back for Henstridge, despite a spirited effort in reply.

The Bournemouth batting performance was built on foundations laid by Wilkinson and Kennedy, who shared 187 for the second wicket in just 23 overs.

Opener Wilkinson struck 13 fours and one maximum in his 86-ball 88, while captain Kennedy finished unbeaten on 103, a fine innings which came from just 84 deliveries.

Jonny Coombs chipped in with 23 not out to help his team post 278 for two.

Henstridge pair Owen Williams and Henry Cheal suggested there could be a shock on the cards with a fine opening stand of 85.

But when the duo fell – Williams for 61 and Cheal for 43 – the writing was on the wall.

Bournemouth used nine different bowlers, with Greg Thew the pick of the bunch as he claimed fine figures of three for 34.

• Title contenders Parley demolished Blandford by 190 runs to remain in the hunt for title honours.

Blandford had no answer to Parley’s batting power and never looked like getting close to their mammoth total of 299 for five.

Sam Reece once again produced a fine display with a knock of 80, while Chris Jennings (64*) and Raj Naik (58) were also in the runs.

The Parley attack then matched the efforts of their batsmen by skittling Blandford for 109 inside 26 overs.

Bowlers Charlie King (4-18), Charlie Healy (3-45) and Ollie Green (2-24) led the way as Parley completed an impressive win.

• Young star Matthew Rose stole the show as he helped Ferndown Wayfarers maintain their impressive form with a six-wicket victory over Kingston Lacy.

The 15-year-old hit an unbeaten 50 to push Wayfarers over the line, with stand-in skipper James Raftery (58*) also a key performer.

Earlier, James Park hit 74 as Kingston Lacy were restricted to 219 for seven batting first. Wayfarers reached their target for the loss of four wickets.

Elsewhere, Cranborne fell to a five-wicket defeat against St Georges. Their total of 128 was not enough to claim a positive result.