Nestling in the nether regions of Dorset, Ibberton proved, for a number of the visiting players, somewhat difficult to find but with the help of a Geordie, an Asian and a bicycle all eleven players reached the picturesque ground fronted on one side by the impressive Bulbarrow Hill. The captain didn't have to toss up as Jan and Hoppy the opposing captain, resplendent with dual wrist supports and ladies thin white belt, had decided that Portland would bat and they would field.

Males and Davey were cautious in the early stages, with any problems caused as much by the pitch, something of the fallow field in design, as by the opposition bowlers, though Hoppy in particular maintained a good line to both batsmen. Runs began to flow as the bowlers faltered and extras was particularly savage on the wayward bowling. The century partnership was soon reached and Davey began to accelerate with a number of massive blows on the leg side. He was first to fall, eight runs short of a deserved century but his departure only brought John 'Dicko' Dixon to the crease who in usual fashion dispatched the ball to all corners of the ground and when he fell for 44 (off only 29 balls), it seemed he had been at the crease for a mere moment, delighting all, except perhaps the opposition, with an excellent cameo. Jones joined Males who continued to amass runs, while the Big Smoke did his best, playing one of his signature innings, actually piercing the infield on more than one occasion. With the 300 came a momentous day in Triangle history as Dave 'Blanco' Males reached his maiden century for the club and well deserved too, looking as fresh as a daisy as opposed to Jones who looked just a hair's breadth away from a coma. The innings finished on 315 for 3 declared, a score that Elenor would hope to defend with some ease.

After an excellent tea, especially the home made cakes, Portland began with Rusty Davey and Scott Males and soon made inroads into the home batting. Wickets were shared out among the bowlers with both the openers, Elenor, Morris and Trevett all claiming at least 1 wicket apiece. The only moment of drama in the innings was the sole Stewkesbury over that after the calm of a single from the first ball became a hurricane as the home batsman took a fancy to the slow slow right arm and preceded to smite each of the next five balls for four each. The strain of bowling caused a reoccurrence of the Stewkes shoulder and his first prognosis of a couple of weeks out was immediately seen to be overly optimistic as this became three then a month and then two months, before he decided that retirement was the best and only option.

The author awaits with baited breath for the specialist's report, but this aside reflects upon what was an emphatic victory, high praise to the two Portland openers, and particularly Dave Males for his century, a worthy reward for his current rich vein of form. Portland maintain top spot in the league and all eyes focus on the clash with Wimborne in what looks increasingly like a title decider.