BOURNEMOUTH captain Chris Park called for his side to keep the belief after their difficult start to the campaign continued.

Lions have lost three of their four completed Southern Premier League fixtures, following Saturday’s 69-run defeat to Burridge in the first timed game of the season at Chapel Gate.

They sit second from bottom of the pile, only winless Alton have picked up fewer points.

Asked whether Lions’ early-season form had become a concern, Park told the Daily Echo: “It’s not a concern yet. It’s a little frustrating.

“The young lads are good enough, we just don’t seem to be able to put it together on a consistent basis.

“We just have to remain positive, back each other and believe in each other. Nobody turns into a bad cricketer overnight but everyone needs to find a little bit of form.”

Lions were made to toil in the heat against Burridge, after the visitors won the toss and elected to bat first.

Opener Joe Collings-Wells struck 94 on the way to helping Burridge declare on 250 for eight from 63.5 overs. Jake Hurley (4-35) was the pick of the Bournemouth bowlers.

The hosts were skittled out for 181 in reply, with Luke Matthews (34) top-scoring.

Park added: “It was disappointing and not the result we wanted. Bowlers decided to have one good spell and one bad spell and that was reflected in Burridge getting a half-decent total.

“Unfortunately, all of our top four got a start and then all got out. Luke Matthews and Nick put on 77 for the first wicket and were both out within three balls of each other.

“Myself and Luke Webb had a partnership of 50. Again, we were out within three balls of each other were not able to recover.

“We then lost three or four quick wickets coming towards the end when we were trying to draw the game.”