BOURNEMOUTH THIRDS 159 (5pts) lost to PORTLAND RT 160-4 (20pts) by 6 wickets

PORTLAND Red Triangle comfortably triumphed over Bournemouth Thirds to bag their third win of the season, much to the delight of captain Matt Randell.

After losing the toss and being asked to field, Simon Proffitt (2-22) struck early when he removed opener Carlos Snell for just four runs, sending his middle stump out of the ground.

Bournemouth then consolidated and looked like accumulating a big total with captain Harry Weal holding up an end for number three Sudhakar Shivappa, who scored relatively freely.

Portland’s Matt Barrett and Tom Dalkins (1-25) were then brought into the attack and soaked up run scoring opportunities and Barrett (2-25) got the breakthrough Portland needed.

Rob Townley also made an impressive comeback from university for the visitors, fielding well and picking up 2-30 with the ball.

Bournemouth’s flow of runs dried up but wickets were hard to come by on what seemed a good batting track.

When island skipper Randell (3-33) introduced himself to add some spin to the attack, Bournemouth were dismissed on 159.

As Triangle headed out to bat, the Bournemouth opening bowlers started well restricting run-scoring opportunities and picking up the early wicket of Elliott Sawyer for just four.

But Chris Leake (42) and Proffitt (52) then put on a stand of 96 for the visitors’ second wicket to put them in control.

Proffitt scored his 50 off just 48 balls which showed just how good the pitch was to bat on.

And although Proffitt was dismissed, Randell (27no) batted steadily to ensure victory with helpful contributions from Dave Adkins and Barrett.

Commenting on the victory, skipper Randell said: “I was really pleased with how everyone bounced back from the last few games we lost.

“Fielding was an area that we have been let down by so far this year and, although it still wasn’t magnificent, there was an improvement.

“Bournemouth weren’t a bad side and the pitch definitely wasn’t a 150 pitch. This just shows how well the bowlers performed.

"Once again I was really pleased with Tom Dalkins and Matt Barrett but all the bowlers bowled really well this week and bowling sides out so far hasn’t been an issue.

"It was nice to see Simon and Chris batting so well together again and hopefully we will see more of that throughout the year.”