PORTLAND RT 225-6 (20pts) beat CATTISTOCK 221 (8pts) by four wickets

PORTLAND Red Triangle took a big step towards guaranteeing their status in County Division One with an assured four-wicket victory over Cattistock at Reforne.

Triangle are now 28 points above Parley Seconds, who occupy the final relegation spot, with two games remaining and 40 points still available.

In overcast conditions, Cattistock elected to bat first but cruised to 80-1 despite losing Sam Baker (13) to Rob Townley (1-43).

However, Matt Barrett (3-26) superbly halted the Foxes’ scoring, the paceman accounting for Jason Bradley (24), Dorset all-rounder Jon Legg (35) and captain Bradley Damen (2), while Callan Laws ran out Ben Golledge (0).

At 106-5, Liam Toohill (54) brought his side back into contention, top-scoring with a fine half-century, while Oliver Lee’s rapid 42 from 31 balls helped the Foxes to 221, Jack Marsh (2-50) and Simon Proffitt (2-32) mopping up the tail.

Portland began their chase well, with Ray Emery (29) scoring the bulk of the early runs until perishing to Lee (2-37) alongside fellow opener Pete Jarvis (5).

Toohill (1-37) claimed Proffitt (9) cheaply but a quick 87-run stand between Laws and Chris Leake (27) took the hosts to 136-3.

Damen (2-56) ousted both batsmen, but Simon Barrett (30no) and Chris Theakstone (22no) ably guided Triangle home in the 44th over.

Speaking to Echosport, home captain Matt Randell paid credit to Matt Barrett and his batsmen for earning the win.

He said: “It was a good win, they probably got off to a quicker start than we wanted. Matt came on and took three wickets then I bowled and looked to keep it tidy.

“It was probably one of the best innings we’ve had in terms of people contributing. Ray got us off to a good start, Lawsy went in and played really well. They were always chasing the game.”

Cattistock skipper Damen felt his side could have bowled more tightly at the death.

He said: “To lose a close game to Portland for the second time this season was disappointing.

“We took the key early wickets up front but were a bit slack when they counter-attacked and we let them accumulate too many runs in the middle overs.

“Going into the last five overs they still needed 33 runs and we should’ve kept it tighter than we did and at least have taken it into the final over.

“We definitely have some positives to take on into the final two weeks of the season.”

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830990

e: neil.walton

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @EchoSportNeil