DORSET Leopards’ trio Matt Randell, Simon Proffitt and Simon Mitchem were in good spirits following their side’s one-run loss to an MCC XI in a rain-affected friendly at Dorchester Rec.

Portland duo Randell and Proffitt were both dismissed for three, while Mitchem made nine but did claim innings-best figures of 2-9 with the ball, while Proffitt bowled economically in his four over spell, returning 0-13.

With the match being Randell’s first taste of representative cricket, the Portland Red Triangle skipper remained upbeat and felt that runs were just “around the corner”.

He told Echosport: “It was good, it was a shame not to get any runs. It was horrible with the stop-starty weather and the pitch, you could tell it had rained a lot.

“They bowled the right areas and we didn’t capitalise on the bad balls but it was a really good atmosphere and nice to be involved.

“I feel quite good in my own game at the moment, so it’s just about converting starts into big scores. A few runs are only around the corner so I can’t see it being much longer before I manage to convert a start into some runs.”

Proffitt, who appeared for the Leopards last season, was pleased with his bowling but felt disappointed with his innings.

He said: “I bowled well but I’d just like to get a few more runs. One stopped on me and I got out but hopefully a big score is around the corner.

“I stuck (the ball) in a decent enough area, it’s tricky because the ball started to get soft and slippy and when it softened up it got a

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little bit easier with the bat.

“I gave a good account so hopefully I can pick up a few wickets next time.”

For Dorchester’s Mitchem, a Leopards’ regular, the all-rounder simply believed it was nice to contribute for his team.

He said: “All the lads put in a decent performance. It was nice to get a bowl and a bat but overall a bit disappointing not to win the game.

“We lost a few too many wickets too quickly towards the end. Young Fish (Harry Fisher) batted really well, we just needed someone to stick around – we’re a bit disappointed with our batting.

“It wasn’t easy out there. The pitch played well early on but with a bit of rain it started to do things and you just needed to grind it out. Unfortunately we couldn’t quite get over the line.

“It’s nice to contribute, whatever it is, runs or wickets, so I’m very happy.”

Dorset Leopards next play Wiltshire Seconds on Sunday, June 10 at Swanage (11am).