A CENTURY from Jack Shipton propelled Burnham Sports' second team to a thumping 128-run victory over T-Rippon Mid-Essex League division eight strugglers Willow Herbs.

Captain Shipton, who has been unfortunate not to score a century in the first half of the season, after scores of 96 at Tillingham and 93 against East Hanningfield, finally reached the three-figure mark on Saturday.

Opening the batting for Sports, he smashed 13 boundaries and cleared the rope twice on his way to a final total of 131 not out - lasting the full 45 overs in reaching the landmark.

After the game, Shipton said: “I’m so happy that I’ve finally scored a hundred.

"I've been really unlucky to not get there before but everything clicked and it was an unbelievable feeling to get there for the first time.”

Shipton’s efforts, along with strong contributions from Grant Smith (44), Mike Jenkins (42) and Ben Castledine (27), playing his first game for the club, saw Sports amass a grand total of 308 for four after 45 overs – a virtually unassailable total.

“We really took advantage of batting first,” added Shipton.

“It was perfect batting conditions and we did an exceptional job of keeping the scoreboard ticking along.

"To score over 300 is a brilliant effort and we should all be proud of that.”

In reply, and despite a valiant effort, the hosts were unable to pose any threat to Burnham’s total.

Openers M Jones (60) and B Saint-Pierre (40) got them off to a good start.

However, once they were dismissed by Mike Jenkins and Joe Green, the rest of the order crumbled.

Castledine bagged himself three wickets to round off an impressive Burnham debut, while Green claimed another two wickets later on to peg back Willow Herbs.

The hosts managed to hang on, though, and battled through to complete their 45 overs.

A Potten (10 not out) and D Keys (14 not out) were unbeaten, to prevent Burnham from taking all 10 wickets and claim maximum points on the day.

The result means that Sports rise to fifth in division eight, with 152 points.

They sit 29 points behind fourth-placed Hatfield Peverel and their hopes of promotion remain alive.

Next Saturday, the second team host local rivals and third-placed Tillingham, who are also pushing for promotion.

Meanwhile, the first team suffered a heavy defeat in division one, at the hands of top-of-the-table Canvey Island at Millfields.

Half-centuries from brothers R Casson (87) and T Casson (51), along with 37 from E Skidmore, ensured Canvey set an imposing first innings total of 233 for five after 45 overs.

Burnham’s bowlers toiled in the hot sun but were unable to gather any momentum.

Robin Whittaker (three for 25) shone, but Sports were outclassed by the team now 45 points clear at the top of the division.

In reply, Sports were humbled and bowled out for a humiliating 39 after only 16 overs, as C Tiffin (six for 21) and J Casson (four for 16) tore through the Burnham batting line-up.

In what was a nightmare afternoon for Sports, no player managed to reach double figures.

Afterwards, captain Joel Whittaker said: "We’ve been thoroughly beaten by a side with great quality.

"Canvey now look like they will gain promotion and we wish them luck next season in the premier division.

“Our batting was atrocious and there are no excuses for that.

"We’ve always really struggled when chasing a score, but this was simply a very bad day for everyone.”

Next week, the firsts travel to Springfield.