Portland RED TRIANGLE 313-2 (20pts) beat COMPTON HOUSE 117 (3pts) by 196 runs

A REMARKABLE unbeaten double century from Chris Leake, as well as a fine seven-wicket haul from Jon Dixon, propelled Portland Red Triangle to their maiden victory of the season.

The hosts ran out convincing 196-run winners at Reforne after Leake’s 208 not out, a club equalling record, had helped the islanders to a massive 313-2.

Compton House, relegated from Dorset League Division Two last year, simply had no answer in reply and were skittled for 117 with Dixon (7-26) the main beneficiary.

Acting captain Simon Barrett said: “It was a really good performance and it was great to secure 20 points.

“Chris’ batting was very impressive and he showed that by careful shot selection, it is possible to score quickly without taking unnecessary risks.

“Simon Proffitt (65) batted with great maturity and he looked to push the singles, allowing Chris to take as much of the bowling as possible.

“When we fielded, apart from the brief onslaught from Compton House’s hard-hitting opener, our spinners managed to keep the scoring under control.

“Jon was especially lethal, taking wickets regularly with a combination of flight, spin and subtle changes of pace. We now look forward to taking our good form into this Saturday’s game at Cattistock.”

Choosing to bat upon winning the toss, the home side unfortunately lost opener Dave Adkins (7) within the first 10 overs.

However, House were forced to wait until the final over to claim their next victim as Leake and Simon Proffitt notched a 270-run stand for the second wicket.

Leake produced one of the greatest exhibitions of batting ever seen at Reforne, smashing 30 fours and five sixes en route to his double century.

Proffitt provided splendid support with a solid 65, handing as much strike as possible to his in-form partner.

Compton opener N Price (53) began in belligerent style, hammering five sixes as the visiting score moved rapidly on to 70 after just seven overs.

However, after hitting his own wicket, off the bowling of Dixon, the remaining batsmen failed to offer any significant resistance to Dixon’s left-arm spin.

The final wicket fell in just the 21st over as Portland sealed a comfortable win to get their Division Three campaign up and running.