PORTLAND RT II 118 (2pts) lost to CATTISTOCK & SYMENE II 119-2 (20pts) by eight wickets

CATTISTOCK & Symene Seconds defied the weather and home advantage to upset Portland Seconds by eight wickets in their County Division Four clash at Reforne.

A collective groan was let out as Sam Good informed his fellow Foxes he had lost the toss and were fielding first. 

Joe Etherington (0-20) and Ethan Robertson (2-19) opened up with the new ball, with the latter making the first breakthrough. 

Although the runs then began to flow with Tim Forshaw (36) and Joe Adkins (31) at the crease, it was down to Robin Jones (5-23) to break the partnership. 

The middle order then collapsed as Jones ripped through the hosts line up to claim a five-wicket haul. 

Further wickets from George Wyrill (2-30) and Robertson mopped up the tail setting the Foxes a target of 119 for victory.

READ MORE: Mixed fortunes for Foxes on opening day

Wyrill was dismissed early in the run chase and leading run scorer Wes Lewis struck four boundaries before chasing a wide one and being caught for 23. 

Reuben Kingston, fresh from a maiden century in his last innings, was joined at the crease by Luke King on his return to cricket. 

Keen to spend as little time out in the cold as possible they set about chasing down their target. 

Kingston (35no) unfurled a range of strokes in his innings, striking seven boundaries. 

King (32no) batted like he had never been away, sending the ball to the boundary on six occasions as the duo sealed victory in the 18th over.

Good said: “Going into this weekend it looked like we were going to be beaten by the weather so to get a game in and collect 20 points was great. 

"Poole Town also played and won and sit two points behind us so this was a really important win. 

"Portland almost got away from us at the start but Jonesy bowled with great skill and thoroughly deserved his five wickets. It was great to see Reuben and Luke bat so well and see the side home.”

On Saturday, the first XI travel to Bere Regis. The Foxes make just one change with second-team wicketkeeper Leo Gurd coming in for the absent Steve Tucker. 

Cattistock & Symene: Damen, L Gurd, Wallbridge, Bradley, Toohill, B Mullins, A Mullins, Legg, Golledge, Baker, Stewart.

Meanwhile, the Foxes' seconds host Poole Town Seconds at Cattistock in a big match.

Cattistock & Symene II: Good, Lewis, Wyrill, King, Hall, Robertson, Kingston, Angel, Etherington, Jones, J Gurd.