PORTLAND RED TRIANGLE 309-6 (20pts) beat BEAMINSTER 151 (6pts) by 158 runs

PORTLAND’S batsmen made hay while the sun shone at Reforne on Saturday, smashing Beaminster for more than 300 en route to a 158-run victory.

The hosts won the toss and their openers immediately put Beaminster’s bowlers under pressure with aggressive running between the wickets and powerful hitting to all parts of the ground.

Wickets were hard to come by on a flat wicket and Beaminster’s weakened line-up struggled to contain the home side.

All six of Portland’s top order made useful contributions, particularly the excellent Matt Randell who smashed a classy 83.

The only positives for Beaminster were three fine catches, including a spectacular effort from Jack Walklett.

Dave Adkins (68) and Simon Proffitt (50) also hit their way to big scores and Portland closed their innings on 309-6 – a superb effort by the team second in County Division Two.

In reply, Beaminster’s openers showed some resistance, putting on 60 for the first wicket, and Chris Lamb batted well throughout before falling for 80.

Wickets fell regularly at the other end as Beaminster were unable to keep up with the run- rate.

The damage was done by spinner Chris Leake who dismissed the top four batsmen and ended with figures of 4-36.

None of the middle order or tail could manage double figures and Beaminster were dismissed in the 43rd over for 151.