Portland RED TRIANGLE 235-7 (20pts) beat CATTISTOCK 199 (8pts) by 36 runs

A SUPERB all-round performance from Simon Proffitt enabled Portland Red Triangle to secure maximum points for the second Dorset League Division Three game in a row.

Batting first, Triangle made steady progress and Proffitt looked in complete control all the way through his innings. Showing great judgement, he carefully defended the good deliveries but was also quick to take advantage of any loose ones.

When Proffitt was dismissed for a classy 85, a rapid eighth-wicket partnership of 59 between Callan Laws (36 not out) and Scott Males (22 not out) allowed the visitors to progress to a commanding 235-7.

As Cattistock began their reply, Proffitt (6-49) was quickly back in the action, taking a wicket in the very first over of the innings.

Bowling with more pace than any Portland bowler this season, the young all-rounder took two further wickets in his opening seven-over spell.

With the score at 46-3, the hosts’ wicket-keeper J England came to the crease and made it clear that he felt there was still a chance of victory.

He hit several boundaries and no bowler escaped punishment as he advanced towards a fighting century.

However, it was that man Proffitt who took three more wickets in his second spell, including the crucial one of England for 98.

With Chris Leake following the old rule of bowling full and straight, he also snared three wickets as Cattistock were finally bowled out in the 40th over for 199.

Portland’s acting captain, Simon Barrett said: “To get a 20-point win, especially away from home, was a great result.

“Simon Proffitt was undoubtedly the star of the day with both bat and ball but we batted well as a unit, keeping wickets in hand for the necessary acceleration in the closing overs, while in the field there was a real buoyancy.

“There is still some work to be done, however, as a few catches went down but overall our confidence is increasing and the victory was testimony to our excellent team spirit.”