WEYMOUTH SECONDS 163 (5pts) lost to PORTLAND RED TRIANGLE 307-5 (20pts) by 144 runs

AN impressive all-round performance from Matt Randell guided Triangle to a comfortable victory over Weymouth Seconds.

Randell achieved the remarkable double of scoring a century and taking five wickets in the same game, in a dominant display at Redlands.

With conditions more like August than May, Portland won the toss and chose to make first use of what looked a superb batting pitch.

Randell, whose knock of 117 contained 20 fours and two sixes, put on 170 for the opening stand with partner Christian Brown (60).

It was left to Weymouth veteran Laurie Whyte to make the breakthrough as he produced an efficient 10-over spell to snare two wickets as the hosts continued to toil in the sun.

With Weymouth gaining a little momentum, Dom Webb also added control to the attack and claimed two victims, and skipper Pete Gordon picked up his first league wicket at the death.

But the damage had already been done as high-flying Triangle set Weymouth a formidable target of 308 to win.

In response, Weymouth started well with Blackman (40) and Gordon timing the ball nicely to reach 68 for the first wicket and the chase to gain as many points as possible was on for the home side, even if the win target seemed to be unattainable.

With useful contributions from Whyte (41), Sapsworth (13) and experienced all-rounder Martin Jones (14) Weymouth finally succumbed for 163 with Randell clinically mopping up the tail.

On his side’s performance, Seasiders’ skipper Gordon said: “We played with some heart though the loss of the toss put us on the back foot from the start.

“The less experienced younger players had a tough introduc- tion to senior league cricket especially when bowling, it is vital to gain as much control as possible.”

Winning Portland captain Scott Males said: “The batting really fired, with a fantastic start from Matt and Christian who are developing into an excellent opening partnership.

“The Redlands wicket was an absolute beauty but to have scored more than 300 represents a great effort.”