BOURNEMOUTH skipper Chris Park wants all-rounder Simon Woodruff to showcase his “extreme” hitting in the middle order.

The former Wimborne man had struggled to make runs having started the campaign batting at number three for the Chapel Gate outfit.

But a change to number six in Lions’ 107-run victory over Ventnor last time out saw Woodruff strike an impressive 55 from 48 deliveries.

He is set to be named in the Bournemouth side to visit Portsmouth in Southern League Division One at St Helens on Saturday (12.30pm).

Park told the Daily Echo: “I was really pleased for Simon to come to the party. He has struggled for runs early season.

“I have chatted with him over the past couple of games and made the change of dropping him down from number three to five or six.

“Rather than going in at number three and being likely to face the new ball most weeks, it gives him a little more of a chance to express himself at the end of the innings.

“It helps with his strength, which is hitting the ball hard and in different areas. He played a couple of shots on Saturday which were absolutely extreme.

“There were some reverse sweeps off the seamers over backward point and it was great. It was a brilliant end to the innings from him.”

Woodruff also proved a handy asset with the ball for Park’s men last season. He claimed 21 first-team wickets at an average of 18.62.

A nagging back problem has restricted him to four overs this season but Park believes he could still be a useful asset.

“Simon is now back to fitness so we have to break him in gently with his bowling,” added Park.

“His back injury has settled down so he should be able to offer us a little bit with the ball as well moving forward.”

Bournemouth are set to make one change to their line-up with Dave Kidner replacing the unavailable Dan Conway in the seam department.

Kidner claimed five for 28 against Hartley Wintney for Lions on his most recent appearance.

Hosts Portsmouth have struggled so far this season, winning one of their opening five games.

They were beaten by three runs in a thrilling contest against leaders Hook & Newnham Basics last time out.

Park said: “We are looking good but there are some big games coming up against Portsmouth, Sarisbury and Hook. We will see where we are halfway through the season and look at the table then.”

In the Premier Division, Bashley host promoted Basingstoke & North Hants, while Lymington visit Burridge and New Milton travel to South Wilts (all 11am).