Cricket

The Young Men's Christian Association on Portland was formed at the end of the First World War in the December of 1919. This largely inter-denominational organisation successfully raised funds, a considerable amount of which were used to purchase the main hall from the Australia detachment based over at "Montevideo" or Chickerell.
During the early years of the Y.M.C.A.'s foundation a wide range of sporting clubs was established.
The inauguration of a Red Triangle Cricket Club completed the the sporting spectrum for the club in 1922. The initial impetus and the eventual success of the club was attributed to the great zeal and enthusiasm displayed by a small group of local lads and the unique association with stone workers from the Somerset village of Motecute whose expertise proved invaluable.

The cricket ground at Reforne was originally called Jordan or Jordan's, and the still conspicuous "ridge and furrow" patterning in the sward suggests it's long history of cultivation. The land at Reforne was never owned by by the Red Triangle Club but instead by either the Crown or the stone firms.

The Red triangle has the distinction of being the first civilian cricket club to be formed on the island. The various services based on the Island ran teams and cricket was played by the Verne Garrison, the Royal Navy and the Prison. After 1921 the Borstal regularly fielded a side. It has been suggested that there were at least ten teams on the Island, Easton C.C being Red triangle's biggest rivals for many years.

Mr. W. H. Comben . Club President, wrote in 1982:

"To all non-playing nations, cricket is regarded as a British "Tribal Rite". It's very laws have "grown" not been made, to fit the compromise between individual freedom and team responsibility. Unity of purpose and belief in each other is a tremendous asset in any cricket team, for the Game in the long run is the sum total of the character of the men playing it., a lucky snick or a dropped catch can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
From the top end of our ground at Reforne can be seen the outstanding landmark " The George Inn" beloved by all perspiring bowlers and "sloggers of sixes".
"Flannelled fools " in white appear from our ex-US army pavilion to behold, set against a blue sky and accumulated cumulus clouds, towering like domed cathedrals to heaven, a wonderful view of green, blue sea, outlined by an horizon with an arc of nearly 180 degrees.
After a "good knock" what better than a short walk to to the YMCA hall to nibble cucumber sandwiches, drink thirst-quenching tea, and munch Portland Dough Cake and buns, served by our ladies.

These ideals we have always tried to uphold in the red triangle club, a club which we have reason to believe, is held in high esteem both inside and outside the County."

Portland Red Triangle Cricket Club currently plays in the Dorset Premier League.