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RAJ Naik believes Parley could mount a Dorset Sunday Division One title challenge after his fine all-round effort helped them get the season off to a winning start.

Rain played its part in proceedings as Bournemouth fell four runs short of a revised target of 175 from 37 overs, after Parley had scored 211 for seven in 45 overs.

Skipper Tom Jacques got Parley off to a flyer with a rapid 44 off 48 balls.

And Naik built on this promising start by compiling a fine 72, with support coming from Rob Gunn (18), Adam Lowe (20) and James Edworthy (21).

With overs and runs recalculated, Bournemouth were left chasing 175 to win and, despite valiant efforts from Grant Mather and Simon Ridley, they were tied down by some excellent Parley bowling.

Richard Wood claimed three for 44, while Naik completed an excellent day's work with four for 29.

"If we carry on the way we played on Sunday I don't think there's anyone we can't beat," Naik told the Daily Echo.

"Having said that, teams like Cranborne always have a good side, and Kingston Lacy.

"There's hope that we'll be in the top three and win the league."

Naik was very pleased with his start to the campaign.

He said: "The wickets are a bit damp at the moment and you have to stay at the wicket longer before you can go after the bowling.

"Later in the summer, wickets get much better and the ball comes on and it's more like sub-continent wickets."

POCKNEALL'S BEST RETURN

CHRISTCHURCH also made a successful start as Steve Pockneall starred in their thumping victory over Studland.

Studland won the toss and put a strong Church line-up in to bat. And they were made to regret that decision as the hosts put on 245 for 7 from their 45 overs, despite the disruption of two rain delays.

Youngster Rhys Dear celebrated his birthday with a fine 46, but Eddie Richmond stole the limelight with an excellent 85.

Studland skipper Mark Elliot was the pick of the bowling with four for 39. Set an adjusted 159 to win from 25 overs, Studland fell way short.

Pockneall, the golf professional at Dudsbury, bowled very well and returned his best ever figures for the club of six for 37 as Studland were skittled for just 73.

Rain spoiled the rest of Sunday's Division One fixtures.

3:16pm Tuesday 6th May 2008

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