BOURNEMOUTH captain Chris Park insisted his side’s lengthy trip to take on Hampshire Academy may boost their spirits after a tough start to the campaign.

Lions are set to voyage to Newclose on the Isle of Wight to battle the academy outfit on Saturday (11am), looking for their second Southern Premier League victory of the campaign.

The Chapel Gate side are second from bottom of the pile, having sealed promotion from Division One last season – only winless Alton have amassed fewer points.

Hampshire Academy are sixth in the pile, having started their timed fixtures with a winning draw against Lymington.

Speaking ahead of the trip, Park told the Daily Echo: “It’s going to be an early start for the lads but hopefully we can put in a good performance over there.

“We are meeting at 6.45am and getting the ferry from Southampton. Then we are getting the ferry back at 8.30pm.

“With how we have started the season, it might be good for the boys to be together for such a long period, have some banter, a few jokes and just get that team spirit bubbling.

“It’s an eight or nine-week block that Hampshire Academy are playing on the Isle of Wight. We had played there a couple of years ago against Ventnor.

“We do know the ground and it’s a fantastic place to play cricket. Some of the boys are looking forward to going back.”

Dan Conway, Nick Park and Jake Hurley are all unavailable for Lions. Jacob Gordon and Jonny Coombs are called up, as well as a debut for opener Adam Davies.

Davies has switched from representing Lions at rugby to cricket for the summer.

Park added: “Adam has played for Bournemouth rugby. Last year he played in a couple of friendlies for us and was trying to get himself back involved in cricket.

“He is a very good player. He played for us in the Evening League on Wednesday and got 40 not out.

“He has just been travelling for the past four weeks, otherwise he would have started the season with us. He is making his debut for us on Saturday.

“I think he played two pre-season friendlies for us and is a good player. I am very impressed and he will be absolutely fine. He is a top bloke and will fit into the top order nicely.”