Triangle look to improve (From Dorset Echo)

Triangle look to improve

8:37am Friday 10th July 2009 in

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PORTLAND Red Triangle will be hoping for a big improvement at second-placed Bere Regis tomorrow (2pm), following last weekend’s ‘embarrassing’ 197-run loss against league leaders Christchurch.

The Dorset League Division Three table-toppers scored 329-7 at Reforne before bowling the islanders out for a paltry 132 and disappointed skipper Matt Gomm has admitted that things need to change quickly if his basement boys are to avoid a second successive relegation.

He said: “Barring a few individuals last week’s performance was an embarrassment to all involved.

“The toss was always going to be important but even though the pitch did deteriorate when we batted it was still an unacceptable performance across the board and our fielding display was nothing short of dismal and not even schoolboy standard.

“We have tried to eradicate these basic problems but once again on Saturday they reared their ugly head. I am pretty sure the guys will echo my sentiments, everyone expects the plaudits and the pats on the back when things are going well, however, at this moment in time things are going anything but well.

“So as a team we should all take some collective constructive criticism as effectively we now have seven cup finals left to save ourselves.

“After last week’s defeat the boys are in no doubt that our performances are way below expectation. To compete and lose can be acceptable, however, on a couple of occasions this season we haven’t even turned up as a team and in the process let ourselves and our supporters down for which I can only apologise.

“We have a great bunch of guys at the club with a team spirit which is second to none considering our perilous league position. And in an ideal world I would pick my strongest team week in week out which is something I haven’t managed once this season because of work commitments, injuries and holidays but that is not an excuse by any means for our continuing bad form.

“If anything that has given others the chance to make the step up and stake a claim for a regular place in the team for which I am hoping my faith in them will reap rewards sooner rather than later.”

The islanders will make two changes to their side tomorrow with returning all-rounder Dave Price replacing the unavailable Simon Proffitt and George Munro coming in for Duncan Malpas.

Portland: Leake, Laws, Gates, Barrett, Gomm, Adkins, Sawyer, Price, Whisker, Munro, Strong.