CAPTAIN James Park has urged New Milton to banish last week’s disastrous showing and rediscover their form against leaders Hook & Newnham Basics (1pm).

The Green & Golds suffered a seven-wicket defeat to Division One rivals Basingstoke & North Hants in a 128-minute contest – the shortest game in Southern Premier League history.

Skittled for just 48, Milton looked on as their visitors stormed to the total inside 15 overs, condemning Park’s troops to their first loss.

But the Fernhill outfit have a chance to get back on track when they face Hook with Mark House recalled in place of Ashley Collison.

Park told the Daily Echo: “I wanted to give the lads a chance to show that last week was just a blip and, hopefully, they can prove me right. We were disappointed with the result but need to put it behind us.

“The team has been together for years now and we all know each other inside-out. We’ve got a lot of experience of winning big games and, hopefully, we can delve into that and get a victory on the board.

“This is the first time we’ve had to deal with a league defeat this season.

But Basingstoke came on the back of a hiding and bounced back well, so we’re looking to do the same and there’s no reason why we can’t.

“We’re not too far away but it’s about putting it together as a team and getting a performance where all 11 players are contributing.

“That’s what we’re striving for and people are trying hard to do that but it’s just difficult at the moment. It will come together, I’m sure.”

Part of Bournemouth’s Cockspur Cup-winning team of 2009 and a Southern Premier League winner in 2010, Park is one of several Milton players who played for the Lions.

And the skipper is keen for New Milton to recreate the lively team spirit that spurred on his former side.

He added: “We have strength in depth and are good mates. That’s what our success at Bournemouth was built on and that’s what we’re trying to emulate.”

New Milton: (from) Haggaty, R Beck, J Park, N Park, House, Elliott, Edwards, Gargaro, L Beck, Loader, Watts.

  • Bournemouth will be looking to get their Southern Premier League promotion push back on track when they travel to Division One rivals Basingstoke & North Hants tomorrow (1pm).

A run of four successive wins came to an abrupt halt when the Lions were on the receiving end of a heavy eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Andover at Chapel Gate six days ago.

Fourth-placed Bashley host Sarisbury, while Lymington will be hoping to get back to winning ways following back-to-back defeats when they entertain Havant.

Bashley: Porter, Baker, Webb, Morris, Andrews, Jacques, Digby, Thomson, C Ridley, Lilley, Nash.

Lymington: Beetham, Ellis, Jennings, Freeman, Metcalfe, Scott, McManus, Rogers, Ashkenazi, Robertson, Hand.