CATTISTOCK 228-7 (13pts) lost to PORTLAND RT 233 (18pts) by five runs

PORTLAND Red Triangle secured their second consecutive County Division One win after a thrilling battle with Cattistock.

The start was delayed by rain and the match reduced to 41 overs per side. Cattistock won the toss and chose to bowl first.

It was a tight start for Portland and Callan Laws fell early, caught by Ben Golledge diving low to his right at first slip.

Ryan Price was later caught at gully by Steve Tucker off the bowling of Brandon Ward (1-30).

Portland were 65-2 at this point and recovered well until Bradley Mullins (5-45) came on to remove the other opener and then dismiss the middle order including Simon Proffitt and Matt Randell.

Three dropped catches and poor fielding allowed Triangle to get away from the Foxes.

A consistent performance throughout the batting order and Kyle Sloane’s late 50 helped push Portland’s total further.

Portland’s innings was ended in the 40th over thanks to some superb fielding from Steve Tucker, who ran out Simon Barrett with a direct hit from the boundary and then caught Kyle Sloane the next ball, which gave the hosts full bowling points.

Cattistock had an early setback in reply with Jon Legg smartly caught and bowled by the diving Sloane. Liam Toohill followed soon after on 43-2.

Martin Langford played the anchor role and Billy Wallbridge (16) and Steve Tucker (22) batted well but were unable to kick on.

Cattistock were 122-4 when Ward went out to join Langford and they put on 82 before Langford was caught for a superbly compiled and patient 71.

Ward took up the lead from there and picked up the rate, but was dismissed in the final over for a well-made 39, this left Cattistock needing six off the final ball but Bradley Damen could not clear the fence as Portland won.

Cattistock captain Jon Legg, said: “We bowled well in patches, top spell from Brad Mullins in the middle overs. Fielding is what really let us down, too many dropped chances and mis-fields which ultimately cost us the game. It was a class innings from Langers and a great cameo from Brandon. The pitch played good, we’re gutted to be five runs short in the end.”

Portland skipper Matt Randell, said: “It is nice to get that second win, we had a bad start to the season so it is just nice to get off and start playing some positive cricket which is what we do best, just to see a little bit more positivity around the lads in the dressing room was nice.”

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830990

e: aidan.williams

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @EchosportAidan