POOLE Town captain Kristian Wilson has fired a warning to rivals eyeing his team’s crown: “There is more to come from us.”
Wilson was speaking after the reigning champions began their title defence with a 19-run victory over fellow Dorset Premier big guns Parley.
Having suffered from rain-offs in the opening weeks of the season, Poole defied a lack of match practice to inflict a second straight defeat on the 2011 runners-up.
Skipper Wilson believes the two familiar foes both possess the talent to enjoy another strong season.
He told the Daily Echo: “I was very pleased.
“We were a bit ring rusty so there is more to come from us, but we started well considering the weather setbacks we have had.
“Parley have got a good side and they will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season. We have got a very good side and people to come back in as well.”
It was a family affair as captain Wilson and his two brothers, Steve and Mitchell, all took the field to help Poole secure their opening win of 2012.
Batting first after winning the toss, an opening partnership of 110 in 31 overs between Badrul Alam (80*) and Dave Robjohns (61) laid the platform for Poole to rack up 219 for five in their 50 overs (Sam Thomson 2-39).
In reply, Parley fell short despite an explosive knock from skipper Roshan Embalagama, who hammered 74 from just 53 deliveries. He reached his half-century off 34 balls and his innings included smashing 24 runs off one over.
But Steve Wilson (4-41) starred with the ball to make it a memorable day for the Wilsons.
Kristian Wilson added: “It was the first time me, my middle brother and youngest brother had played in the same team.”
n Broadstone had a number of strong contributors in their comfortable eight-wicket win over Stalbridge.
Captain Greg Parsons (3-21) and spin twins Dom Hand (3-23) and Matt Spraggs (3-26) found form with the ball to dismiss Stalbridge for 137.
Luke Carter (57*) and James Brown (32*) then took centre stage and shared an unbroken stand of 92 to see Broadstone home with plenty to spare.
• An unbeaten 53 from Eric Linge could not save Ferndown Wayfarers from a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Dorchester.
Linge hit his half-century in Ferndown’s 172 for six (Pete Moxom 2-22). But helped by Moxom (39), Dorchester won after losing just four wickets.
n Blandford were on the wrong end of a 170-run hammering against a Hayden White-inspired Weymouth at Redlands.
Opener White hit 122 off 97 deliveries to lead the Seasiders to 307 for five, with Blandford then skittled for 137.
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