PORTLAND RT 249-8 (20pts) beat WITCHAMPTON 215 (9pts) by 34 runs

PORTLAND maintained their grip on second place in County Division Two, with Simon Proffitt scoring a magnificent century in a 34-run victory at mid-table Witchampton.

The islanders won the toss and elected to bat first, but the order had to be changed around a little due to one of the side’s cars breaking down on the way to the ground.

Witchampton made early inroads, dismissing Chris Leake off the second ball of the game, while Elliott Sawyer and Dave Adkins followed soon after.

But Proffitt and skipper Matt Randell dug in, putting on 131 for the fourth wicket to get Triangle’s innings back on track.

Proffitt played flawlessly in his knock of 112 as he attacked and defended at just the right times – his hundred consisted of four sixes and 11 fours.

The visitors’ captain also played studiously and he went on to make 52 before losing his wicket.

Matt Barrett (15) and Gary Randell (18 not out) went in and showed good intent to take Portland up to 249 from 45 overs.

Portland started well with the ball as Gary Randell (2-30) and Proffitt (3-24) struck early to leave the hosts reeling on 10-3.

Witchampton fought back hard with A Croker (80) and M Bowles putting on 138 for the fourth wicket to put them well within the required rate.

Rob Townley (4-37) then came on and picked up four quick wickets to put Portland back in the driving seat – but it was still anyone’s game.

However, Proffit and Gary Randell came back into the attack and secured the game for Portland.

“It was good to win again and it was good to have a really competitive game of cricket played in the right spirit the whole way through,” said Matt Randell.

“Simon’s knock was flawless, one of the best hundreds I have seen, and it was good to be watching at the other end and play a part as well.

“His hundred was made even more special because when he hit it we were in trouble at 32-3 and he got his head down and played at his best.

“Everyone has played their part recently, with runs or wickets, and the results are showing this.

“The league is very tight and we have to keep winning to keep a place up at the top, so it’s important for everyone not to relax as no game will be easy.”

Portland, whose second XI lost to Shaftesbury by 66 runs in Division Five last Saturday, are away to Cranborne this weekend – the seconds host Chalke Valley.