Nick Park's patient 71 not out steered Bournemouth into the League Cup final. Pictures by James Robinson.
Bournemouth will face St Cross Symondians in the Southern Premier League Cup Grand Final in Winchester on Saturday (12.30) after beating Bashley (Rydal) by five wickets.
The victory, based on a century-plus opening partnership between Nick Park and Tom Robinson, ensured that Bournemouth finished top of the West group.
They chased down Bashley’s under-par 174-8 with almost four overs to spare, the hosts not helping themselves with some erratic bowling which culminated in 28 wides and no-balls being conceded.
The zone decider turned in Bournemouth’s favour midway through the Bashley innings when, with the score at 80-1, top scorer Ben Walker (42) was run out by Sam Collins in a “yes/no” mix-up with Alex Turner (35) who returned to the BCG pavilion 12 runs later at 91-3.
Michael Porter (20) tried to pick up the pieces, but it was largely due to the emerging Jacob Gordon (39), aided by Josh Digby (17), that Bashley reached 174-8, the last three wickets falling for a mere seven runs.
The victory, based on a century-plus opening partnership between Nick Park and Tom Robinson, ensured that Bournemouth finished top of the West group.
They chased down Bashley’s under-par 174-8 with almost four overs to spare, the hosts not helping themselves with some erratic bowling which culminated in 28 wides and no-balls being conceded.
The zone decider turned in Bournemouth’s favour midway through the Bashley innings when, with the score at 80-1, top scorer Ben Walker (42) was run out by Sam Collins in a “yes/no” mix-up with Alex Turner (35) who returned to the BCG pavilion 12 runs later at 91-3.
Michael Porter (20) tried to pick up the pieces, but it was largely due to the emerging Jacob Gordon (39), aided by Josh Digby (17), that Bashley reached 174-8, the last three wickets falling for a mere seven runs.
 Ben Walker top scored for Bashley |  Emerging Jacob Gordon |
Bashley needed Brad Currie to make early inroads if they were to put Bournemouth’s often uncertain batting under pressure, but whilst the left-armer returned a tidy 2-16 off his eight overs, a breakthrough was a long time coming.
Their cause wasn’t helped when fellow left-arm seamer Ben Fletcher pulled up lame, leaving captain Porter with precious little bowling experience to call upon.
Park and Tom Robinson took full advantage, although the Poole Town raised all-rounder injured a hamstring and had to bat with Chris Park as a runner for a large chunk of his innings.
Nonetheless, Robinson (pictured below) did his job splendidly, hitting 52, virtually half the 106-run opening stand with Park, which gave Bournemouth the perfect launch in their quest for a Grand Final place.
Their cause wasn’t helped when fellow left-arm seamer Ben Fletcher pulled up lame, leaving captain Porter with precious little bowling experience to call upon.
Park and Tom Robinson took full advantage, although the Poole Town raised all-rounder injured a hamstring and had to bat with Chris Park as a runner for a large chunk of his innings.
Nonetheless, Robinson (pictured below) did his job splendidly, hitting 52, virtually half the 106-run opening stand with Park, which gave Bournemouth the perfect launch in their quest for a Grand Final place.
Bournemouth’s innings became becalmed when Currie, in his second spell, dismissed Collins and Adam Davies and Digby bowled the out-of-touch Luke Matthews at 148-5. Only ten runs came off 35 deliveries.
But the experienced Nick Park remained unflustered and, even though Simon Woodruff was run out (162-5), carefully eased Bournemouth towards their target, striking 12 boundaries in an unbeaten 71 which saw the Lions home with almost four overs to spare.
But the experienced Nick Park remained unflustered and, even though Simon Woodruff was run out (162-5), carefully eased Bournemouth towards their target, striking 12 boundaries in an unbeaten 71 which saw the Lions home with almost four overs to spare.
Brad Currie appeals long and loud for a leg before decision against Nick Park ...
Bournemouth Ultras prepare to invade the BCG ... after they've all woken up, had their cup of tea and slice of Victoria sponge !
