SKIPPER Chris Park admitted Bournemouth’s middle order had failed to take responsibility during their six-wicket defeat to Sarisbury Athletic.

Having elected to bat first at Chapel Gate, table-topping Lions had set a strong platform at 80 for one with opener Nick Park (55) impressing.

But the hosts lost their way and slumped to a concerning 121 for six as Phillip Jewell (3-22) and Sarisbury spin duo Sam Hill (2-24) and Tom Nightingale (2-17) nibbled away.

Lower-order contributions from Rob Pack (27) and Dan Conway (19) lifted Lions to 188 for nine from their 50 overs – a total the visitors surpassed with 22 balls to spare.

The Bournemouth captain told the Daily Echo: “We were disappointed in the performance and had nobody else to blame apart from ourselves.

“To lose four or five wickets, all to poor shots with not one of us putting our hands up and taking responsibility, was disappointing.

“We lost four key batters in the space of 12 overs. The guts of our batting were taken out.

“We are all positive, aggressive players and it was unfortunate that – myself included – four or five of us played poor shots. We will all hold our hands up and say we are better than that.

“It’s a case of having that one set batter we could all play around. On Saturday, it didn’t seem to happen and we have to take it on the chin and learn from it.

“Getting to 188 was more than we expected when we were 121 for six. Rob Pack did really well at the end and so did Dan Conway.”

In reply, visiting skipper Ricky Rawlins carried his bat for an unbeaten 95 to guide Sarisbury to a comfortable victory.

The opener led from the front, striking two sixes and 12 fours as Bournemouth’s lead at the summit of Southern League Division One was reduced.

Left-arm spinner Dom Clutterbuck was the pick of the hosts’ attack, claiming one wicket and costing a miserly 14 runs from his 10 overs.

There were also scalps for Conway (1-44), Ed Denham (1-39) and George Wilson (1-20).

“We had to put our hands up and say we were beaten by a better side. Ricky Rawlins played a fantastic innings and didn’t give us a chance,” added Park.

“We are still positive and I trust the team but we need to improve our consistency.

“We have to remember what our principles and basics are as a side. Luckily, results went our way at the weekend. We are still top of the league but we need to up our game.”

Lions, who have lost two of their opening seven league fixtures, on Saturday make the trip to third-place Hook & Newnham Basics (12.30pm).