BOURNEMOUTH all-rounder Ed Denham’s impressive early-season form has been rewarded with a recall to the Dorset squad.

The 27-year-old leads Lions’ run-scoring charts following their opening three Southern League Division One fixtures, with 122 coming at an average of just more than 40.

Denham has also picked up three wickets costing just over 25 runs apiece.

He is set to be included in Bournemouth’s squad for Saturday’s trip to Hartley Wintney (12.30pm) before on Sunday representing Dorset in T20 battles against Wales at Wimborne’s Leaze (from 11am).

Dorset head coach Paul Prichard visited Chapel Gate to see Denham in action as Bournemouth fell to a four-run defeat against Liphook & Ripsley last time out.

Lions skipper and county club captain Chris Park told the Daily Echo: “Ed is a man in form having got a hundred and a few wickets over the opening games.

“It was an easy decision to make and, being a capped player for Dorset, he already has the experience which is a bonus.

“Ed has been a brilliant player for Dorset over the years. With work commitments and moving to Birmingham, he had to step away from Minor Counties cricket.

“Now he is back living locally it will be great to get him involved again. It may just be for one-day cricket but we are looking forward to having him around for the next couple of games.”

Denham last featured for Dorset in a T20 contest against Cornwall three years ago.

He was part of the Bournemouth side who won the national Cockspur Club T20 competition in 2009.

Park added: “He can bowl a couple of overs but also hit the ball over the ropes and score crucial runs in the middle order.

“He played in the T20 finals day for Bournemouth on Sky Sports years ago and is someone with a lot of T20 experience. It’s a good player to bring back into the fold.”

Bournemouth will be looking to bounce back against a Hartley side who are yet to win a game in the division this season.

They opened their campaign with a 24-run reverse at Portsmouth before their home clash with Sarisbury Athletic was abandoned due to rain.

The Hampshire-based outfit posted 230 for eight from 50 overs at Hook & Newnham Basics last time out but saw the total chased down for the loss of five wickets.

Lions remain unchanged with opening bowler Dan Conway unavailable due to work commitments.

“Hartley Wintney is a ground I have never been to before, so I am looking forward to playing at a new place within the Southern League,” added the skipper.

“But I would rather worry about our bowling line-up, fielding levels and our batsmen reaching some higher standards.”

Lions: N Park, West, Wilson, C Park, Woodruff, Miller, Hurley, Denham, Kidner, Clutterbuck, Pack.