PORTLAND’S own Kaden Wilson marked a huge milestone in his cricket journey on the weekend, making his first ever century in the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association’s division one competition for Port Fairy against Welsey Yambuk on the weekend.

Wilson has played for the Pirates since midway through last season, having initially played in their under-17 team before moving across from Gorae-Portland to play in the senior competition as well.

The young star, who says he’s more well-known for his bowling exploits, said while it may look like this innings has come out of the blue, its backed up by a lot of hard work behind the scenes.

“I’ve been putting in a fair bit of work in the nets, both and training and coming down to do some extras when I can, but I guess it still did come as a little bit of a surprise,” Wilson said.

“I was batting with the team coach Alastair Templeton (who made 125 not out in the same innings) and it just worked out really well, we ended up putting a partnership of close to 200.

“Alastair has been really good with me, making my role super clear and just helping me a lot along the way.”

Wilson, who finished up on 120 off 233 balls, later found out that this partnership – which finished on 199 – was the highest ever recorded by Port Fairy in division one.

“We both just played our roles for the side and were able to chase down the runs and get the win which was the main thing,” he said.

“How it actually came about is we bowled out our opposition late on day one, and I was sent out to bat as kind of a nightwatchman to hopefully see out the new ball and get us to day two, but I was able to keep going on with it.

“(Making a hundred) is probably something I haven’t really thought of too much, but its certainly something which when I’m older I’ll be able to look back on and remember fondly.”

Port Fairy is in a very strong position in the division one competition, having booked their spot in the finals and more or less locked themselves into second spot which gives them a first round bye.

“Barring something extraordinary in the last round we’ve got second spot locked in now which is good,” he said.

“I believe we’ve got the team to do it, we’re pretty strong across the board and don’t rely on any players too much, but it comes down to getting the job done when it counts.

“It’s a good group to be a part of, especially playing with Mitch (Arnold) who is also from this way.”