BRIDPORT 157-9 (19) beat Portland RED TRIANGLE 139 (7) by 18 runs

ALL-ROUNDER Dom Gape starred for Bridport as they recorded their second win of the campaign against Portland Red Triangle in Dorset League Division Three.

The talented teenager top-scored with 49 with the bat and then picked up 2-31 off 11 overs with the ball but as skipper Mark Smith insisted afterwards, the whole team rose to the occasion.

He said: “It was a much improved display all round both in terms of discipline and application. Portland have had some really good knocks of late but we knew if we took out their opening partnership early we would stand a good chance of getting them out reasonably quickly, and that is basically what happened.

“Having been skittled for 55 the previous week, it was no surprise when they put us into bat but we were a lot more disciplined.

“Nearly everyone contributed and Dom Gape’s knock was superb and helped us reach 157, which was probably par for the wicket as it was quite lively.

“Dom was obviously disappointed not to reach his half-century but he followed up with another outstanding display with the ball.

“I have played cricket for a while and I have never seen a 16-year-old of his size bowl as quick as he does and to be honest he had them tied up in knots.

“The rest of the bowlers chipped in as well and as a unit we were a lot tighter. You only have to look at the extras to see that. The previous week we gave away 40 but this time we only gave away 15.

“There was also 110 per cent effort in the field so it was very pleasing indeed and the challenge now is to try and build on this.”

Liam Toohill (19), Sam Good (10), Smith (15), Luke King (24) and Will Good (10 not out) all made contributions for Bridport but Gape’s knock was clearly vital, particularly against the talented bowling attack of Jan Dixon (4-25) and debutant Ellia Menan (2-24), who both impressed.

However, looking at recent form, the islanders would have still fancied chasing down 157 but too many players got starts without going on to hit a big score.

Chris Leake (10) and David Adkins (11) both went cheaply at the top of the order and although Elliott Sawyer (26), Davey (32) and Jon Dixon (20) all rallied it was not enough as the visitors fell 18 runs short. Assisting Gape in bowling Portland out were Toohill (1-21), Ed Halson (2-19), Sam Good (2-34) and Smith (2-8).

Losing skipper Simon Barrett added: “We only did half a job. We fielded and bowled okay but did not bat very well, which was a big disappointment.

“Too many people contributed to their own downfall in reply. We must regroup and move on.”