PORTLAND Red Triangle captain Matt Randell is unafraid to “bat ugly” should conditions at Cattistock necessitate such an approach in their County Division One battle tomorrow (1.30pm).

Randell’s comment was made in relation to the Cattistock pitch, and does not expect a high-scoring game after playing there for St George’s in an evening league game this week.

He said: “I played there (on Tuesday) and the wicket was far too dry. It was hitting a good length and popping up around your face. If they get some water on it you should see a high-scoring game.

“If they don’t it could be one of those where you have to bat ugly and adjust to the pitch.”

Elaborating on the challenge of facing Cattistock, who sit in fifth, 28 points above Portland, Randell was mindful of the Foxes’ star batsmen.

He said: “Cattistock have always been a mixed bag. One week they’ll perform and the next they’ll struggle. Last week Steve Tucker scored 90 off 38 balls. He’s got the ability so we’ll target him early. If we can also get Jon Legg out early we should be amongst them and can go from there.”

Chris Leake, Matt Barrett and Rob Townley all come in for Cameron Midgley, Gus Galloway and Rich Samuel (fractured shoulder).

Portland: Emery, Laws, Leake, Price, Proffitt, Whisker, Randell, S Barrett, Sloane, M Barrett, Townley