Ben Duggan [The News]
Skipper Ben Duggan compiled his eighth Southern Premier League century as Portsmouth moved to within two points of second tier leaders Ventnor.
A fortnight after hitting an unbeaten 96 against Sarisbury, the former Hampshire Academy prospect struck 112 not out in his side’s seven-wicket romp against Alton at St Helens.
It was his third SPL ton for Portsmouth and his highest league score since an undefeated 121 for the Academy against New Milton five years ago.
Duggan’s latest century came after his side had let Alton off the hook somewhat. After reducing the visitors to 98-7, Alton were allowed to reach 209-8 thanks to a 108-run stand for the eighth wicket between Howard Gadsby (57 not out) and Toby Salmon (50).
Henry Woolf (3-47) was Portsmouth’s leading wicket-taker, but Sri Lankan overseas all-rounder Minhaj Jalill - on his first XI debut - returned 2-20 from a tidy 10-over spell.
In reply, Duggan and Jack Marston (29) put on 89 for the first wicket before the latter was bowled by Scott Myers in the 23rd over. That brought in Jalill, who promptly saw his stumps rearranged by Myers first ball.
James Christian (35) survived the hat-trick delivery and went on to add 82 for the third wicket as Portsmouth claimed a third win in four SPL matches.
Duggan struck 15 fours in his 146-ball knock, and there were eight balls when his side reached their target.
A fortnight after hitting an unbeaten 96 against Sarisbury, the former Hampshire Academy prospect struck 112 not out in his side’s seven-wicket romp against Alton at St Helens.
It was his third SPL ton for Portsmouth and his highest league score since an undefeated 121 for the Academy against New Milton five years ago.
Duggan’s latest century came after his side had let Alton off the hook somewhat. After reducing the visitors to 98-7, Alton were allowed to reach 209-8 thanks to a 108-run stand for the eighth wicket between Howard Gadsby (57 not out) and Toby Salmon (50).
Henry Woolf (3-47) was Portsmouth’s leading wicket-taker, but Sri Lankan overseas all-rounder Minhaj Jalill - on his first XI debut - returned 2-20 from a tidy 10-over spell.
In reply, Duggan and Jack Marston (29) put on 89 for the first wicket before the latter was bowled by Scott Myers in the 23rd over. That brought in Jalill, who promptly saw his stumps rearranged by Myers first ball.
James Christian (35) survived the hat-trick delivery and went on to add 82 for the third wicket as Portsmouth claimed a third win in four SPL matches.
Duggan struck 15 fours in his 146-ball knock, and there were eight balls when his side reached their target.
