BROTHERS Nick and Chris Park both played pivotal roles in guiding Bournemouth to victory in the first round of the Southern Premier League T20 Cup.

Opening batsman Nick struck an unbeaten half-century, while wicketkeeper Chris claimed four dismissals behind the stumps, as Lions recorded an eight-wicket victory over Old Tauntonians & Romsey.

Asked about his dismissals, skipper Chris, who bagged three stumpings and a catch, told the Daily Echo: “It’s what I’m there for at the end of the day!

“It was busy but with spin in T20 - when batsmen were trying to hit the ball out of the ground – there will be more chances as a wicketkeeper in that kind of format. That is my job.

“It was just a case of giving everybody a chance and varying the bowling attack.

“Jacob Gordon got a few past the bat that were regulation for me and were easy stumpings really. Hopefully that gives him a confidence boost.”

Having lost the toss at Chapel Gate, Lions were asked to field first by their Division One opposition.

Despite a 42-run opening stand between Old Tauntonians Elliot Mitchell-Lee (27) and Paul Longland (29), Bournemouth kept control with the ball to pick up wickets at regular intervals.

All of Gordon’s wickets came off stumpings from Chris Park, as he returned dazzling figures of three for 19 from four overs – the visitors closed their 20 overs on 115 for six.

And it was Nick Park who guided his side home from the outset with the bat, striking 50 from 63 deliveries to see Lions across the line with two balls remaining.

Despite Jonny Coombs (5) and Gordon (19) both being dismissed, Simon Woodruff fired an unbeaten 20 from 24 balls to remain unbeaten at the close.

Captain Park said: “We bowled well to restrict them to 115 and I thought we were going to chase that.

“From the outset it looked like it was quite a comfortable chase and were in control but we did have some sticky patches as well.

“There were quite a lot of dot balls but Nick and Simon just accelerated at the end to get us over the line.”

He added: “The lads are keen to have a good run in the T20.

“It’s something they all watch on TV and look to aspire to. It’s a good form of cricket but we need to concentrate on the weekend now.”

Bournemouth return to Southern Premier League action when they make the trip to the Isle of Wight to take on Hampshire Academy at Newclose (11am).