SKIPPER Scott Barlow is backing depleted Bournemouth to beat the drop.

The Lions tomorrow face a crucial clash with fellow Division One strugglers Ventnor as the competition reverts back to 50-overs-a-side (1pm).

Bournemouth’s resources for the trip to the Isle of Wight have been severely weakened by the absence of bowling spearhead Matt Metcalfe and Barlow is thin on the ground for replacements.

Dual registered batting prospect Ryan Scott has again been co-opted by Hampshire Academy, having hit 90 against his parent club to deny them a potentially-priceless victory at Chapel Gate six days ago.

Second-from-bottom Bournemouth have four games to save their skin.

Barlow said: “We are far from safe and two wins from our last four games should be enough. Bashley and South Wilts will both be tough games and we go to Alton on the last day of the season.

“We have got availability problems this week but have still got some very good players in the side.”

Also in Division One, New Forest bragging rights will be at stake when SPL t20 kings Bashley entertain Lymington at the BCG (1pm).

Bashley: Morris, Terry, Thurgood, Higgins, Webb, Baker, Ridley, Friedman, Neal, R Grierson, Nash.

Lymington: Cowley, Treagus, Shirazi, Jaffer, C Grierson, Pain, Ambrose, Beetham, Ellis, Freeman, Gibbon.

  • Father and son Steve and George Watts have both been named in the New Milton team for their Division Two trip to OTs & Romsey (1pm).

New Milton: R Beck, L Beck, Prodomo, Edwards, G Watts, Loader, Mude, Freeman, S Watts, Elliott, Gargaro.