CAPTAIN Chris Park remained confident Bournemouth’s top order would begin to fire.

Lions have endured early struggles with the bat during their opening two Southern League Division One clashes but have dug in to secure an unbeaten start to the campaign.

The Chapel Gate outfit found themselves 28 for four against Andover before Jake Hurley’s unbeaten 51 got them over the line to win by four wickets.

And 106 from Ed Denham provided a rescue act for Bournemouth, who were 46 for four before beating Old Tauntonians & Romsey by 66 runs last time out.

Lions host Liphook & Ripsley on Saturday (12.30pm) and Park told the Daily Echo: “It’s a strong batting line-up but the top five or six have to take responsibility.

“It’s nothing I am overly concerned about. It is early season and, with a lack of pre-season outside for batsmen on grass pitches, it’s still bubbling up nicely and the lads are working hard.

“The more consistent we get as a top six, we will hopefully get a big score on the board to put teams under pressure in the second innings.

“People like Nick, my brother, I am not overly concerned about but I’d like to see the young lads dig in and get some scores.”

Lions are set to make a change at the top of the order with Tom West coming in to replace the unavailable Ben Bridgen.

Opener West scored a century against Liphook when the sides met at Chapel Gate in 2016.

“He is a quality player and is really keen to play first-team cricket,” added Park.

“It is a good opportunity for Tom to get stuck in and hopefully he can get a score in the next couple of weeks.”

Dave Kidner returns for the hosts in place of youngster Ollie Breckon.