BACKMARKERS Bournemouth had a potential 18-point bounty prised from their grasp following Saturday’s wash-out against Hampshire Academy – with Lions a tantalising 23 runs from victory.

Chasing a lean total of 103, the Chapel Gate outfit were 81 for four when the weather intervened to deny Martin Miller’s men what would have been only their second win of the season.

The frustrated Bournemouth skipper said: “We were gutted. Clawing back 18 points on a day when Alton were heavily beaten and St Cross Symondians were washed out would have been crucial.”

Academy made a promising start when Joe Weatherley (23) and Oli Green (20) produced a quickfire 35, but a seven-wicket haul by Alex Keath saw off the visitors shortly after lunch.

With rain on the radar, Bournemouth raced out of the blocks as Keath swapped ball for bat and swatted 38 off 27 balls to drive the hosts to 56 for one.

Miller (21) played the support role before Bournemouth lost four wickets for 20 runs before play was abandoned.

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, rain prevented Bashley from getting to the crease against fellow high-fliers Ventnor at the BCG.

The visitors set a strong total of 252 for eight with Marc Antony Eysele (60) and Travis Head forging a 129-run third-wicket partnership following a shaky start.

Andy Neal (2-23) and Ross Grierson (3-30) kept the game in sight for Bash, but it was all in vain once the downpour commenced.

In Division One, New Milton shared in the frustration after they had skittled title contenders Sarisbury Athletic for 130.

Milton were looking good on 56 for two in response, but the weather halted play at Fernhill to deny Ryan Beck’s men.