SKIPPER Chris Park heaped praise on youngster Jacob Gordon’s impressive start to life at Bournemouth.

The teenage all-rounder made the move to Chapel Gate this season having previously plied his trade with Dorset League Hamworthy Recreation.

Gordon, who attends Clayesmore School, has picked up five Southern Premier League wickets and has only been dismissed once in two innings.

He is set to feature when Lions make the trip to South Wilts on Saturday (12.30pm).

Asked about youngster Gordon, wicketkeeper batsman Park told the Daily Echo: “He played for Hamworthy last year and has been in the Dorset age group set-up.

“His dad used to play for Bournemouth and it was a move he was looking to make to better his cricket.

“I was very impressed with him and in pre-season I saw something I liked. He has been absolutely brilliant.

“He is more of a batsman I think and that’s something we need to be aware of because he has been batting at eight or nine and bowling 10 overs of off-spin.

“It’s just a case of breaking him in gently and giving him opportunities if and when they arise.”

Lions are set to be without Dan Conway and Tom Robinson, with Ed Denham and Jake Hurley making their returns.