BOURNEMOUTH’S faint promotion hopes nosedived following a three-wicket defeat at the hands of Division One strugglers Liphook & Ripsley at Chapel Gate.

Despite posting a respectable 191 for nine, the Lions suffered their first defeat in four matches, leaving them some way adrift of the top three.

Bournemouth, eight-wicket victors at Ripsley Park in May, had hoped to complete the double after winning eight of their previous 10 games.

And although they lost their top five with the score on 95 (Josh Finnie 29), they rallied to set their visitors a challenging target.

Aided by no fewer than 32 extras, Dave Kidner (26) and Matthew Jones put on 46 for the sixth wicket as Bournemouth progressed to 141 for six. And Jones (33) and Jake Hurley (25) shared 43 for the seventh to leave the Lions handily-placed at the close of their innings.

Mike Kitson (2-36) and Jones (1-29) saw off Liphook’s top three with the score on 47 but Grant Rouse was proving a stubborn batsman to dislodge.

Rouse (59), who put on 54 for the fifth wicket with Harry Munt (28), guided the visitors to within sight of the winning line and they reached their target at 194 for seven with eight balls remaining (Finnie 2-39).