BOURNEMOUTH'S Luke Matthews cracked his first half-century of the Southern Premier League season – and promptly received a fine from his club.

Matthews, who made his Dorset debut last summer, hit a patient and impressive 61 as Lions chased down Liphook & Ripsley's 170 with more than three overs in hand.

However, the youngster's late dismissal in the Division One clash at Chapel Gate meant the home side missed out on maximum batting points, leading fines master Nick Park to seek him out.

Captain Chris Park told the Daily Echo: "Luke batted beautifully. It was a shame he couldn't see it through but the game was won by then.

"Him getting out with three runs needed stopped us getting maximum points and he got fined for that. He probably wasn't even aware of it but he got a 20p or 50p fine.

"The standard fines are between £1 and £2.50, unless you have had a really bad game, but we have a maximum fine of £3.

"The kitty has already been banked and I think it's above £100 already, so we will be having a good end-of-season party!"

Wickets were shared evenly as Bournemouth kept Liphook to just 170, spinners Dom Clutterbuck, Rob Pack and Jake Hurley taking two wickets apiece.

The visitors had made a decent start and were on 78 for one, only to lose four wickets for the next seven runs.

Gabriel Broadhurst and Richard Covey added 40 but Liphook never quite recovered and were all out in the final over.

In reply, Bournemouth appeared in a little bother at 91 for four, Hurley, Nick Park, Chris Park and Chris Bollom having succumbed for modest totals.

However, Matthews's knock and a quick-fire 37 from former captain Martin Miller put the hosts in control, before Matt Jones and Clutterbuck finished the job.

Chris Park continued: "It was a bit of a nail-biter.

"We missed four of five chances in the field, which is unlike us this season, but I'm sure it's just a minor blip.

"We were missing Ben Bridgen and Simon Woodruff, who are two specialist batters, so the batting order was maybe not as strong as it could have been.

"To be at 78 for three and realise there was still 100 runs needed, there was some doubt but I'm really proud of the lads. The middle order stood up and we got home."

Victory for Bournemouth made it three wins from as many home league games this year and Chris Park was pleased to see that record maintained.

He added: "We need to keep that form going through the season.

"The pitch is right up there with the best in the league – it's faultless. I wouldn't say there is home advantage, although it's quite a long way to travel for a lot of the teams we play.

"Maybe that's a factor but I wouldn't say the pitch or the conditions suit our bowlers because it doesn't really spin. It's a good batting pitch."

Bashley sit proudly at the top of the Premier Division after leapfrogging South Wilts with a three-wicket win over the former champions at BCG.

Teenage left-armer Brad Currie put his economics A-level revision to one side to celebrate a maiden five-wicket haul as South Wilts were bowled out for 213.

South Australian left-hander Patrick Page, with a classy but chancy 77, and skipper Michael Porter did most of the donkey work to get Bashley over the line.

Asked about being top of the table, Porter said: “I’m buzzing. We wanted to beat South Wilts and send a statement to the rest of the Premier League that we intend to compete this season.

“Beating them will give us enormous confidence at the start of the all-day match programme, the results from which are normally crucial when the honours are handed out.

“We won the time flag last season, so we need to push on and get plenty of win points on the board.”

Porter added: “Brad bowls at the stumps five or six balls an over and thinks about every ball.

“If you bowl that straight, you’re going to get wickets. I don’t think enough bowlers do that. Perhaps they should try it!”

New Milton were on the wrong end of a galling 16-run defeat at Alton.

Having won the toss, the home side elected to bat first and made 200, the pick of their performers being captain Scott Myers, who hit a stubborn 84. George Watts, James Haggaty and Nick Gargaro claimed two wickets apiece.

In response, Green & Golds opener Tom Arnold made an excellent 80 not out but little support was forthcoming in the top and middle orders.

Tailenders Raff Hussey (23) and Campbell Golding (12) ensured the match went to the wire but, ultimately, the visitors fell short.

Lymington maintained the pressure on the top two with a six-wicket success against St Cross Symondians.

Malcolm Lake (1-4) and Matt Metcalfe (2-42) had the visitors reeling at 24 for three.

Harry Came (33) and Billy Mead (33) restored a measure of respectability as St Cross were stopped on 163, Ed Freeman and Richie Lock claiming three wickets apiece.

In response, Lake and Ryan Scott put on 55 for the first wicket and Lock, Calvin Dickinson and Dom Hand also chipped in, while Ed Ellis hit an unbeaten 34 as Lymo breezed to the target inside 24 overs.