SKIPPER Chris Park revealed Bournemouth had been rocked by the unavailability of Jake Hurley for the rest of the season.

The Lions all-rounder, who has come through the youth ranks with the Chapel Gate side, will miss the rest of the campaign due to work commitments in London.

Hurley had claimed seven wickets at an average of just more than 19 this summer, including taking four for 35 against Burridge earlier this month.

He will not feature in Lions’ crucial Southern Premier League home showdown with fellow strugglers Alton on Saturday (11am).

Park told the Daily Echo: “We have had the news from Jake Hurley that he is not going to be able to play for the rest of the season for us.

“Last year he made the move to London and, with moving house and the work pressures of working there, he has just decided to call it a day this season and concentrate on his future in the city.

“He works for one of the big brokers. He has a long-term girlfriend and he’s just bought a house in the city. The hours he is doing, he is just not getting any downtime.

“It’s disappointing because he’s an integral part of the side and is Bournemouth through and through. Hopefully in years to come he can make the decision to come back and join us again.

“He said it had been on his mind for three or four weeks. It’s a big dent, not just to the side but in the social scene as well. He has been an integral part of the club for many years.”

Like Park’s men, Alton have won just once all season.

The Bournemouth captain added: “Whatever the opposition is on Saturday we need some points. It is a big game for us and the lads are looking forward to it.

“We have a club night planned with a few drinks in town after. The team spirit hasn’t wavered at all this year, which is absolutely brilliant but we need to concentrate on the cricket first and hopefully get a good win to celebrate.

“We are doing some good things but just haven’t been able to get over the line.

“Whether that is down to experience or game management I don’t know but we are learning every week and fingers crossed we can get the win we need.”

Lions will also be without Dan Conway and Jacob Gordon this weekend. Ben Bridgen and Ollie Breckon are set to come into the side.