Suttoners Seconds 111 all out (4pts) lost to Portland Red Triangle 116-5 (19pts) by 5 wkts

JAN Davey hit Suttoners for six as Portland Red Triangle kick-started their season with an emphatic five-wicket victory at Reforne.

This time the ball was the experienced islander's weapon of choice, snaring 6-49 in a brilliant spell that had the visitors reeling throughout their innings.

Suttoners were only able to field nine men and it could be argued that had a huge impact on the outcome but you can only beat what is put in front of you and Portland skipper Martin Hewson was justifiably delighted with the victory.

He said: "That was just what the doctor ordered. This win will give us all confidence which is something we can now build on in what will hopefully turn out to be a successful season."

Hewson won the toss and inserted the visitors and he was soon rewarded as Rathnayake (1-9) clean bowled Morgan (0) in his opening over.

Marlin (46) made good headway for Suttoners with Gritt (18) but when Portland introduced veteran spinner Jon Dixon and the returning Davey the game swung completely in their favour.

Davey clean bowled both Marlin and Gritt, and when Fernes (16) was run out and Grant Neven stumped Onions (5) the writing was on the wall.

Ings (13) put up some resistance but Fagence, Hambridge and Melley then all went for ducks leaving Red Triangle with a target of 111 to chase in reply.

The hosts were always in front of the required rate with West (32) and Dixon (32) laying the foundations before 18-year-old Aaron Riley hit the winning runs on his way to a solid 21 not out.

Hewson added: "Everyone played their part and Jan must take a lot of the praise with his six wickets but all the bowlers bowled well and our fielding was superb.

"Grant was also on fire behind the stumps and capped a great display with a lightning stumping. To dismiss any team for Nelson 111 is a great team effort."

Reforne Scoreboard

Suttoners

Marlin b Davey 46

Morgan b Rathnayke 0

Gritt b Davey 18

Fernes run out 16

Onions st Neven b Davey 5

Ings b Davey 13

Fagence not out 0

Hambridge b Davey 0

Melley b Davey 0

Extras (8w 1nb 2lb): 11

Total (all out, 32.1 overs) 111

Bowling: Strong 5-0-29-0, Rathanyke 6-2-9-1, Davey 11.1-1-49-6, Dixon 10-2-21-0

Portland Red Triangle

West c Ings b Fagence 32

Davey b Ings 19

Barrett b Onions 2

Dixon b Onions 32

Riley not out 21

Rathanyke b Morgan 1

Hewson not out 5

Extras (3w 4b 1lb) 8

Total (5 wkts, 20.2 overs) 116

Bowling: Ings 7-1-27-1, Fagence 6-1-40-1, Onions 4-0-21-2, Morgan 4-0-23-1