PORTLAND RED TRIANGLE 206-7 (20pts) beat SHERBORNE 74 (3pts) by 132 runs

PORTLAND Red Triangle sealed the Dorset Sunday League Division Two title with an 18th consecutive win of the season helped by a century from Chris Leake and a five-wicket haul for Simon Proffitt.

The 132-run victory over Sherborne at the Windowman Oval meant the islanders finished the summer with a 100 per cent record and a third divisional championship in as many years.

Sherborne were in joint-second with Broadstone going into the game, hoping for a good win to retain their chances of promotion.

Triangle chose to bat first on a dry pitch and openers Tim Forshaw (17) and 15-year old Matt Barrett took advantage of some erratic bowling with a stand of 46 in eight overs.

A double bowling change not only reduced the run rate but also brought wickets and Tri-angle looked to be falling short of a setting a competitive target when they were on 88-6.

But then Thomas Hardye student Ryan Price joined the prolific Leake, who made batting look much easier than anyone else in either team.

Price’s share of their 111-run partnership was just 11 runs, but his calm temperament, solid defence and quick running enabled Leake to dominate.

Dickson returned to the attack to remove Price but Leake (101no) reached a deserved three figures off the last over of the innings.

Sherborne were never allowed to dominate in reply, mainly due to a hostile spell of bowling from Simon Proffitt (5-11), who caused problems with a tight line on and just outside off stump.

When Proffitt completed his spell, Sherborne’s reply was in ruins at 40-6.

Reliable leg spinner Scott Males also caused problems, finishing with 2-15, and Sherborne were skittled out for just 74 in a little more than 21 overs.

Gareth Price, who has now captained the Portland side for each of the three title-winning seasons, was presented with a tankard by the players to commemorate the achievement.

The feat of playing and winning every match is believed to be unprecedented in Red Triangle’s history.

Price thanked all the helpers – loyal scorer Richard Stewkes-bury, the groundstaff and supporters who prepare teas in particular – and wished the side a successful season next year under new captain-elect For-shaw.