BOURNEMOUTH skipper Chris Park revealed he had needed no second invitation to bring in Dorset batsman Luke Webb, admitting: “I snapped his hand off.”

The Southern Premier League Division One table-toppers are expected to finalise the signing of the 22-year-old in time for Saturday’s clash with Sarisbury Athletic at Chapel Gate (12.30pm).

Part of the Hampshire Academy as a teenager, Webb started the season at Home Counties Premier League leaders High Wycombe.

But having completed a degree in business and management at Oxford Brookes University, he has moved home and will be available for the rest of the season.

Park told the Daily Echo: “Luke decided he didn’t want to travel for High Wycombe games because he would then be farther away from Dorset games on Saturday nights.

“Common sense says he should play local cricket and he spoke to me last week. I hadn’t given it a second’s thought until he rang but I snapped his hand off.

“With Luke Matthews injured and Ben Bridgen unavailable at the moment, we would be silly to turn down such a quality batter. Hopefully, he can get us promoted.

“I don’t have to worry about integrating him as he knows the lads already.

“He has played with my brother Nick and Ed Denham for Dorset, as well as county age group with Rob Pack and Jake Hurley.

“He has played against Dan Conway and at university with Dom Clutterbuck, so straight away he is part of the group.

“We’re chuffed to bits he decided to come and we look forward to, hopefully, a positive season.”

Born in Stoke Mandeville, Webb was on the Hampshire Academy for two years, during which time he captained the under-17s and represented the club’s second team.

Another success of his teenage years saw him win the National Schools’ Under-17 Cup with Gillingham School.

Webb is due to go straight in at three for Bournemouth, who will be looking to build on a flying start to the campaign which has seen them record five wins in their opening six games.

As availability improves, Park admits his team look in good shape. But he warned against complacency with plenty of cricket yet to be played.

He said: “Dan Conway will soon become available every week and Jem Warner will be coming back from Durham University at the end of this month.

“The side, on paper, is going to look quite strong but we still need to turn up every week and play proper cricket.

“We have to respect each of the sides.

“Yes, we’ve had a good start to the season but we’re not going to count our chickens just yet.”

Sarisbury lie fifth in the table with three wins on the board. Last time out, they beat visitors Hook & Newnham Basics by five wickets.

Lions: N Park, West, Webb, C Park, Denham, Woodruff, Wilson, Conway, Markham, Clutterbuck, Pack.