PORTLAND RT 203-6 (17pts) beat BEAMINSTER 199-5 (8pts) by four wickets

PORTLAND Red Triangle ensured Beaminster’s wait for a first County Division One victory of the season goes on after a four-wicket win at Reforne.

Despite the result, this was a vastly improved display from Ross Baker’s men – particularly with the bat.

Beaminster had been bowled out for 92 and 62 in their only two games previous, although a good start at Reforne ensured no repeat.

Openers Will Moss and Baker accumulated 78 for the first wicket before Baker (39) was caught by opposing skipper Matt Randell off Jon Cameron (1-25) having hit eight fours.

Rich Samuel (1-28) then bowled Adam Moss (0) before Simon Jones accelerated Beaminster into three figures.

The reliable all-rounder sped past Will Moss to notch 54 from 54 balls, featuring six fours, until he was stumped by Dave Adkins off Jack Marsh (1-27).

READ MORE: Bere beaten by unbeaten centurion at Wimborne

Chris Park scored a rapid 19 but two quick wickets for Randell (2-42) restricted Beaminster to 199-5, Will Moss carrying his bat for an unbeaten 43 from 118 balls.

In reply, Ryan Price (25) and Dave Adkins (43) got Portland off to a good start but Jones (2-29) snaffled both men.

Randell (60), who hit 10 fours plus a six, and Callan Laws (36no) then both scored above a run-per-ball and despite late scalps for Paul Edwards (2-61) and Will Moss (2-27), Portland secured victory with an over to spare.

Speaking to Echosport, Randell said: “It was a good result, the boys were quite happy, and it was a really good game of cricket as well. Both sides were competitive.

“We started off quite quickly (chasing) Dave and Ryan got us off to a really nice start. We thought what we don’t want to do is be overpositive and be all out in 30 overs.

“We said to keep wickets in hand and still look to take on the bad ball.

“If the run rate did creep up slightly we were more than comfortable that we could play our shots and still have people behind us.

“Callan batted really well and it was nice myself to get a few and score fluently.

“The whole way through we were in control and the way we set it up and chased it was perfect for that sort of chase.”

On his side’s bowling, Randell added: “We got off to the worst possible start with a 12-ball over.

“They were on 40-odd after five overs so to then peg it back from there at 199-5, I was impressed by how we came back from a tricky start.”

In County Division Four, Portland Seconds lost by 254-runs to Broadstone Thirds after fielding just nine players.

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830999

e: neil.walton

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @EchoSportNeil