Bashley (Rydal) are two points behind South Wilts in the race for the ECB Southern Premier League title ahead of a 'massive' game against St Cross Symondians at the Fagan/BCG on Saturday, 12.30.
St Cross may only have an outside chance of lifting the silverware themselves, but they possess a major threat to Bashley's own ambitions.
"There are just three games left and essentially we've got to win them all," said skipper Michael Porter, whose return at Bournemouth after a ten-match absence with a broken finger gave Bashley a massive lift.
"We go to Alton and host Basingstoke & North Hants in our last two games, while South Wilts finish with Lymington, Havant and the Hampshire Academy.
"It's going to the wire, I've no doubt about that but, after the terrible start we experienced weatherwise, it's right we have a great climax."
St Cross may only have an outside chance of lifting the silverware themselves, but they possess a major threat to Bashley's own ambitions.
"There are just three games left and essentially we've got to win them all," said skipper Michael Porter, whose return at Bournemouth after a ten-match absence with a broken finger gave Bashley a massive lift.
"We go to Alton and host Basingstoke & North Hants in our last two games, while South Wilts finish with Lymington, Havant and the Hampshire Academy.
"It's going to the wire, I've no doubt about that but, after the terrible start we experienced weatherwise, it's right we have a great climax."
 |  Right, Luke Webb strikes out and above Simon Woodruff on his way to a flamboyant fifty : James Robinson |
Only five runs separated Bournemouth from a Bashley (Rydal) total of 216-9 at the end of an enthralling derby at Chapel Gate.
The Lions closed at 211-7 having needed 16 runs to win off Jacob Gordon's final over - teenager George Guirdham cranking up the tension by launching the spinner's second ball for six !
But Bournemouth could only manage three more singles off the 50th over and fell narrowly short of the target having earlier been in the box seat through half-centuries by Luke Webb (59) and Simon Woodruff (52).
They had needed 39 runs off the last seven overs, but the loss of Webb to a high boundary catch at 188-5 was a significant turning point.
The result was a boost to Bashley's championship ambitions - as will the potential return of Ben Walker and James Trodd against St Cross Symondians this weekend.
Cole Rushforth (2-42) dealt Bashley a double blow by removing Dorset teenager Will Tripcony and Jack Stearman in quick succession.
The Lions closed at 211-7 having needed 16 runs to win off Jacob Gordon's final over - teenager George Guirdham cranking up the tension by launching the spinner's second ball for six !
But Bournemouth could only manage three more singles off the 50th over and fell narrowly short of the target having earlier been in the box seat through half-centuries by Luke Webb (59) and Simon Woodruff (52).
They had needed 39 runs off the last seven overs, but the loss of Webb to a high boundary catch at 188-5 was a significant turning point.
The result was a boost to Bashley's championship ambitions - as will the potential return of Ben Walker and James Trodd against St Cross Symondians this weekend.
Cole Rushforth (2-42) dealt Bashley a double blow by removing Dorset teenager Will Tripcony and Jack Stearman in quick succession.
 Missed it ! |  Jacob goes to leg .. |
But Saif Achakzai, with a breezy 57, took the attack to Bournemouth, as did fit again Michael Porter (33), who looked in top nick with some fine shots.
Jacob Gordon carefully constructed his 80 (one six and four fours) which went a long way to ensuring Bashley posted a competitive target. Nonetheless, dropping from 161-3 to 216-9 was a disappointment for the visitors.
South African Adrian Meyer (3-34) bowled tidily for the Lions and later helped Webb take Bournemouth to 104-2.
While Webb and Woodruff were together, Bournemouth fancied themselves, but Dan Goodey (3-41) struck twice in quick succession to knock their chances. In the end, Bashley's 216-9 proved just too much ..
Jacob Gordon carefully constructed his 80 (one six and four fours) which went a long way to ensuring Bashley posted a competitive target. Nonetheless, dropping from 161-3 to 216-9 was a disappointment for the visitors.
South African Adrian Meyer (3-34) bowled tidily for the Lions and later helped Webb take Bournemouth to 104-2.
While Webb and Woodruff were together, Bournemouth fancied themselves, but Dan Goodey (3-41) struck twice in quick succession to knock their chances. In the end, Bashley's 216-9 proved just too much ..
Michael Porter returns from injury in style.
