NICK Marsh and Joe Malone shared the man-of-the-match plaudits as Christchurch registered a crushing nine-wicket win over Dorset League Division One rivals Portland Red Triangle.

Marsh (5-19) starred with the ball as Christchurch reduced the Chapel Gate visitors to 96 for eight, with James Cross (2-41) chipping in with a couple of wickets.

Red Triangle made an encouraging start, only for Marsh to prompt a collapse when he broke a second-wicket stand of 63 by having Callan Laws caught by Gareth Williams.

However, the hosts were held up by two dogged late partnerships as the Red Triangle tail wagged, helping them post 178.

Rich Samuel (33) and Matt Barrett (26) shared 40 for the ninth wicket before Rob Townley joined Samuel to put on 42 for the last wicket.

Warren Bennet and Tom Hughes were Christchurch's other wicket-takers.

The hosts eased to a second win of the season thanks to a magnificent opening partnership of 148 between Malone and Ben Francis.

Malone (92) hit 14 fours and one six and remained undefeated at the close, while Francis (36) clubbed seven fours before he was trapped in front by Samuel.

Christchurch, who followed up an opening-day win over Shillingstone by losing at Hamworthy Rec, coasted to 180 for one from just 27 overs to move into second place.