Report through the eyes of Club Director, Graham Elenor, at Reforne

An excellent innings of 103 by Simon Barrett wasn't enough to save Portland Red Triangle from being relegated from the NSA Dorset Premier Division following defeat against an under-strength (and under-manned) Stalbridge side at Reforne. It was the same old story for bottom of the table islanders who will now play thier cricket in Division One next season.

Triangle piled up an impressive total of 253-7, but their penetrative bowling, allied to a fine undefeated century from Jamie Dike, saw the eight-man visitors to victory by a comfortable seven wickets with almost three overs to spare.

Batting first after winning the toss, Triangle got off to the worst possible start as Dorset opening bowler Steve Forshaw reduced them to 20-4 in the seventh over. Barrett and John Ryan started the recovery process in a partnership of 32 before Ryan's dismissal saw the Portlanders at a shaky 52-5 in the 20th over.

However, Barrett and in-form Gary Randell (40) forged a partnership of 101 for the sixth wicket to give the home side some hope. Barrett out scored his partner as he struck 19 boundaries in one of his finest innings for the club, passing the three figure total after 96 minutes at the crease.

Meanwhile Jason Styles (34*) was giving valuable support at the other end in a partnership of 96 for the seventh wicket, which eventually enabled Triangle to close on 253-7 after their allotted 48 overs.

Stalbridge, however, had their own hero in former Dorset player Jamie Dike, who compiled a fine unbeaten century. He cracked an excellent 130, smashing 21 boundaries and a six as he dominated the home bowling, although he did have luck on his side as he was dropped twice (by Ben Doidge), the first time when he had scored just 30,

Dike received good support from Andy Taylor (45) in an opening partnership of 126 and from Jason Forsey (35) in a partnership of 71 for the second wicket. Matt Chant (26) then took up the reins as together he and Dike saw the North Dorset side home with some ease.

Injured skipper, Martin Hewson, was surprisingly unavailable for any after-match comments.