CRANBORNE 99 (3pts) lost to PORTLAND RT 100-7 (18pts) by three wickets

PORTLAND Red Triangle continued their spell at the top of County Division Two with a tight three-wicket win at Cranborne.

All-rounder Simon Proffitt was again in spectacular form, claiming 7-34 as the hosts were dismissed for 99 in just 16 overs.

Leaders Portland were given a tough examination in losing seven wickets cheaply but got over the line thanks to an unbeaten 40 stand between Gary Randell (31no) and Rich Samuel (17no).

Cranborne had won the toss but their decision to bat first was instantly scrutinised by Proffitt, who captured two wickets to leave the hosts on 4-2.

Proffitt was on fire and took his fifth wicket to reduce Cranborne to 51-5, with captain Philip Park and Marc Harris scoring ducks.

Only Charlie Arnold could cope with the seam bowler but, when he fell to Jon Cameron (1-31), Portland then made inroads into the middle order. Again at the heart of the action, Proffitt completed his seven-for by dismissing Matt Butcher and Adam Long for ducks to heap the misery on Cranborne at 60-8.

Tom Pickering (17) hit three boundaries in a brief show of resistance at number eight and when he departed Cranborne were 99-9, until Simon Barrett ousted David Pickering for a duck to keep the home side below 100.

Chasing a meagre total, Portland made a horrific start as the top order was obliterated.

Matt Randell (8), Proffitt (0) and Ray Emery (1) all perished to leave the table toppers on 10-3. Callan Laws (23) then staged a fightback alongside Gary Randell but Arnold (1-14) bowled him, before Park (3-7) made light work of Joe Adkins (1) and Cameron Midgley (0).

At 49-6, Portland were 10 runs worse off than Cranborne after losing their sixth batsman and that became 60-7 when Park claimed Simon Barrett (6) as his third victim. But Barrett’s demise brought Samuel to the crease and, allied with the watchful Randell, hit a four and a six to pour cold water on Cranborne’s hopes of victory.

Portland remain top after their 18-point win but saw their lead over Compton House reduced by two points. Matt Randell’s side face Witchampton at Reforne on Saturday.

n In County Division Five, there was a dramatic finish for Portland’s second team against Martinstown Seconds. Needing six to win from the final ball, Dave Adkins (93no) launched a maximum over the rope to give his side a four-wicket win.