PRT 1st XI

PRT:Randell, Gary

Portland Red Triangle's Division One survival hopes suffered another setback with a third successive defeat against title favourites Suttoners at Dean Park. Batting first in overcast conditions, the visitors made a cautious start against an accurate new ball attack, that looks certain to be doing the business in the Premier Division next season.

It was the introduction of left-arm seamer Andy Coleman that changed the face of the innings as he took three for 24 in his opening spell, with Triangle reaching just 47 after 19 overs. Gary Randell was again the mainstay of the Portland effort with a patient 49 not out. He enjoyed successive partnerships of 38 with Dave Blackman (20) and 47 with Martin Hewson (28).

However, the islanders' final total of 160 was certainly less than was hoped for and indeed expected on a decent batting track. It was always going to be difficult for Portland to contain their hosts all the time dangerman Chris Insall was at the crease. And despite beating the bat on a number of occasions, Triangle's bowlers were unable to dismiss the prolific opener who played a match-winning knock of 83 not out.

Of  the five Portland bowlers used, only Randell was really effective taking 3-10 in his first three overs. However, with Insall striking the ball so well there was only ever going to be one winner. In the end, Suttoners reached their target with nearly 20 overs to spare.

Portland skipper Simon Barrett said: "This was always going to be one of our most difficult games of the season as Suttoners are a hard side to beat. Although we would have preferred to field first, 160 is just not enough runs at Dean Park and to have even half a chance we knew that our bowlers would have to produce something extraordinary.

"Chris Insall did to us this week the same thing as Dorchester's Paul Rugg did last week and when you encounter a batsman in such good form, it is hard to combat." He added: "Now we have just three games left and must look to win at least two of these to retain our Division One status next season. I know we will give it 100 per cent effort and with that little bit of luck that has eluded us for the last two or three games, I am confident we will avoid relegation."

Econ.

2.20

2.60

4.38

3.70

5.00

Econ.

6.00

6.43

6.67

4.31

6.00