PORTLAND RT 169 (18pts) beat CRANBORNE 99 (5pts) by 70 runs

PORTLAND made it four wins in a row in County Division Two after a low-scoring victory at basement boys Cranborne.

The hosts won the toss and put the islanders in on a wet and sticky wicket that proved a problem for both sides.

Portland lost the early wicket of Chris Theakstone in the first over for just four and then Gary Randell fell shortly after that having scored only six.

Simon Proffitt (18) looked to continue the good form he was in the previous week as he struck some early boundaries, but it wasn't meant to be as the pitch got him and Dave Adkins (6) out in the same way.

However, Matt Randell (41) and Simon Barrett (20) put on 65 for the fifth wicket to put Portland back into the game.

Callan Laws batted well for 27 but was dismissed striking one to the boundary.

Portland’s lower order showed resilience but the visitors were still bowled out for 169.

Despite that, Portland went into the tea break confident of bowling Cranborne out.

And that confidence showed as the hosts were reduced to 8-2 in the first two overs.

Proffitt removed M Chapel for a duck and Jon Cameron removed C Arnold for one.

Proffitt bowled with plenty of spark and picked up 4-25 to put his side in command.

Skipper Matt Randell and fellow spinner Gary Randell operated from either end in the middle overs and both took two wickets to close out the game.

"It's great to get another win under our belts,” said a delighted Triangle captain. "The track was tough to bat on but what we did well was play our shots and put pressure on the bowlers.

"Si bowled really well to pick up four and probably deserved a few more.

"If we keep playing our cricket in a positive manner like we are then we should keep up this good run of form."

Portland’s 70-run victory came on the back of wins over Witchampton, Compton House and Cerne Valley.

They sit second in the Division Two table, a point above Cerne Valley but still 36 behind leaders Christchurch, who now boast a record of 10 from 10.

In Division Five, Portland Seconds lost to Chalke Valley by 37 runs and stay rooted to the foot of the table.