BOURNEMOUTH skipper Chris Park insisted the “friendly competition” between star batsmen Luke Webb and Nick Park could only be beneficial.

Opener Park had been leading Lions’ first-team run-scoring charts by a hefty margin before Webb last month signed for the Chapel Gate outfit.

The Dorset vice-captain has been in sparkling form for Bournemouth, scoring 341 runs in five innings at an average of just more than 113.

He had closed to three runs the gap on Park before Lions’ nine-wicket win over Liphook & Ripsley last time out.

With the opener guiding his side home thanks to an unbeaten 70, Nick Park created some breathing room on middle order batsman Webb, who did not get the chance to add to his total.

Both will be looking to cash in when Bournemouth continue their push for the Southern League Division One crown at home to Hartley Wintney on Saturday (12.30pm).

Captain Chris Park told the Daily Echo: “Going into last week’s game, Nick was only a few runs ahead of Webby. Nick is an accountant for a reason and he definitely knows about it!

“He pretends not to but it’s good that he cares. The friendly competition between Nick and Webby is good for our side.

“Webby says it’s one-sided competition because Nick is a very determined batsman. His 70 not out on Saturday is what we want from our opener.

“Whoever finishes top of the run-scoring in the team doesn’t bother me at all, as long as the team is doing well.”

Nick Park’s runs tally of 414 is the second highest in the division. Only Liphook’s Harry Munt (441) has scored more than the 33-year-old.

All-rounder Ed Denham (225) rounds off the top three of Lions’ run-scorers with skipper Chris Park just one behind him.

A superb display with the ball earned Bournemouth a six-wicket win over Hartley Wintney in the reverse fixture in May.

Dave Kidner starred with five wickets for 28 runs to help Lions bowl out the strugglers for just 67 on their own patch.

But the league’s bottom club secured a two-wicket triumph over Hook & Newnham Basics last time out and the captain refused to take them for granted.

“They are probably a little more full of confidence. We had a good win up at their place but this Saturday is a different game,” he added.

“It will be on a good pitch and we have to keep respecting the game of cricket. I am more worried about our own game and ticking another victory of the list.

“We need to focus for the next three or four weeks and see if we can drive home this advantage at the top of the league.”

Martin Miller replaces the unavailable Tom West at the top of the order for Lions.

Bashley will be hoping to put a spoke through St Cross’s bid to win the Southern Premier League time pennant when they lock horns at the Royal Green Jackets’ Ground (11am).

Heading into the final round of games, St Cross lead the way from South Wilts and Hampshire Academy with Bashley fourth.

Also in the Premier Division, Lymington host Basingstoke & North Hants and New Milton entertain Havant.