Spin King Davey Outwits Sherborne

After three weeks of inactivity, Portland Red Triangle got their 2003 NSA Division One campaign off to the best possible start, as they cruised to an emphatic 103-run victory over Sherborne at Reforne. All rounder Jan Davey led the way, cracking a half-century in his side's total of 246-8, before taking four wickets and two catches as the visitors were dismissed for 143 in reply.

Batting first after losing the toss, the islanders lost skipper John Ryan to the second ball of the day, but a fine second wicket partnership of 111 between Davey (63) and Gary Randell (35) soon rectified matters. Davey hit nine fours and two sixes as the Portlanders raced past the hundred mark in just 17 overs. However, both were out in quick succession, shortly followed by Jason Styles and Ben Doidge as the home side stumbled somewhat to 130-5 in the 30th over.

This brought Simon Barrett (44) and Will Curtis (49) together in an excellent partnership of 91 for the sixth wicket as the boundary was crossed 16 times in the subsequent 12 overs, taking Triangle well past the 200 mark. Despite the loss of three late wickets, the islanders were able to post a formidable total of 246 after their allotted 45 overs.

Sherborne, in reply, lost key batsman Andy Nurton in Bill Trevett's first over, and were always facing an uphill battle from then on. Wickets fell at regular intervals as none of the visiting batsmen could properly establish an innings. Davey returned figures of 4-44 from his 12 overs, while Trevett chipped in with a three-wicket haul as Sherborne were eventually all out for 143.

Skipper Ryan was very pleased with his side's performance. "Everybody played their part", he said, "and it was a very competent team performance. Although we had a slight wobble in the middle of our innings, Simon and Will put that right after Jan and Gary got us off to a flying start. All the bowlers picked up wickets and our fielding was generally good as well." He added: "Also I've got to say many thanks to our batsman, Reverend Bill Gates. His prayers for some good weather were answered at last!"