PORTLAND RT 179-9 (20pts) beat SWANAGE 175 (12pts) by four runs

PORTLAND Red Triangle gave the perfect response to last week’s loss at Weymouth with a tense four-run win over Swanage in County Division One.

A return to home pastures at Reforne worked wonders as Triangle collected their fourth win of the season.

Portland won the toss and elected to bat first, but were reduced to 40-3 when Craig Wells (2-42) produced a quick brace.

Randell found a willing partner in Tim Forshaw and the duo finally got Triangle moving with a stand of 83.

However, Randell was caught off Mark Stacey (1-31) to end the partnership, allowing Forshaw to forge on.

The left-hander passed 50 and was eventually run out for 69 as Swanage captain Ben Hodder (4-18) stemmed the flow of runs.

Portland closed on 179-9 to set up an exciting second innings.

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Joe Adkins (2-40) made early inroads but the experienced Craig Wells (45) and attacking Tom Salmon (38) began to take the game away from the hosts.

Jack Marsh then removed Salmon to leave Swanage on 163-6 and Portland then ran through the tail using spin, Matt Barrett (3-3) providing the star turn amid weight of pressure as Portland secured a narrow win.

Portland visit leaders Puddletown at Plush on Saturday (1.30pm).