Despite a spirited performance, Portland Red Triangle went down by 70 runs to championship contenders Parley at Dean Park. And it's a defeat that leaves the bottom of the table islanders needing a miracle to maintain their Premier Division status next season.

Nothing less than maximum points from their remaining games against Stalbridge and Colehill will be enough to give Martin Hewson's men a glimmer of hope. Even then, it all depends on Hamworthy Recreation, who realistically need only about 10 points to escape the threat of relegation.

Hewson, who has been out of action through injury since June, said: "It's a tall order, but it's not all over until the final ball is bowled. We have just about got used to the idea of going back into Divsion One, but stranger things have happened."

The contest at Dean Park started well for the islanders with John Ryan capturing the key wicket of Parley's West Indian star, Carl Brissett, for just 22. And when fellow opener Gavin Oldbury went to a smart take by wicketkeeper Dave Blackman, the hosts were 49-2 off 15 overs.

However a third wicket partnership of 114 between Neil Rogers (56) and Kelvin Sutherland (46) took Parley to 163 in the 40th over. The home side looked set for a big total but a fine spell of spin bowling by Jan Davey (5-34) restricted them to 222-8 from their allotted 49 overs.

Triangle's reply began poorly as they slumped to 57-5 in 27 overs, but a stand of 40 from Jason Styles (37) and Alex Charlton (17) gave their challenge some respectability. But the pair couldn't save their side from defeat and eventually Portland were dismissed for 152 in the 48th over.