Bashley CC's grand final hopes dashed in five-wicket defeat to Bournemouth

Southern Prem/Div One (West)

Bournemouth CC 175-5Bashley CC 174-8

A FIVE-wicket defeat by Bournemouth CC dashed Bashley CC’s outside hopes of reaching the Southern Premier League Cup grand final.

The victory, build on a century-plus opening partnership between Nick Park and Tom Robinson, ensured Bournemouth finished top of the West group. They will now play St Cross Symondians in Saturday’s final in Winchester.

Bournemouth chased down the home side’s lacklustre run tally with almost four overs to spare after Bashley did themselves no favours with some erratic bowling which culminated in 28 wides and no-balls.

The momentum swung in Bournemouth’s favour midway through the Bashley innings when, with the score at 80-1, top scorer Ben Walker (42) was run out after a mix-up with Alex Turner (35). Just 12 runs later Turner was also on his way back to the pavilion with the scores at 91-3.

Michael Porter (20) tried to pick up the pieces, but it was primarily due to the emerging Jacob Gordon (39), aided by Josh Digby (17), that Bashley reached 174-8.

Bashley needed star bowler Brad Currie to make early inroads if they were to have any hopes. The left-armer returned a tidy 2-16 off his eight overs but a breakthrough proved elusive.

Their cause wasn’t helped when fellow left-arm seamer Ben Fletcher pulled up, leaving captain Porter with precious little bowling experience to call on.

Bournemouth’s Park and Tom Robinson (52) took full advantage to combine for a 106-run opening stand to give Bournemouth the perfect start in their hunt for a grand final place.

Bournemouth’s run rate slowed when Currie, in his second spell, dismissed Sam Collins (6) and Adam Davies (1). Digby then bowled Luke Matthews (3) to leave the visitors at 148-5.

However, the experienced Nick Park remained unflustered and, even after Simon Woodruff (5) was run out, he carefully eased Bournemouth towards their target, striking 12 boundaries in an unbeaten 71.