TOM Robinson and Ollie Breckon dug in to earn Bournemouth a losing draw against Southern Premier League rivals Alton on Saturday – but that was just a fraction of the drama at Chapel Gate.

Lions were left with just 10 men moments before the contest after Jonny Coombs sustained a back problem in the warm-up, with the hosts having to call an ambulance following the injury.

That meant youngster Axel Deem was drafted in from the third team for Lions. Visitors Alton were also late to the contest due to a closure on the M27.

Skipper Chris Park told the Daily Echo: “In the first minute of our warm-up, Jonny - our second team captain who has been playing the past few weeks for the first team – had a back injury and we actually had to call an ambulance for him.

“He was led down and felt really faint. He was in agony every time we moved him.

“The ambulance came and he is now set to go back to the doctor. For him to go down like he did was very unlike him.

“Axel Deem came across from the third team and he got there as quickly as he could. We had to drag him in at the last minute and I was very grateful for that.”

When the contest did get underway with the overs reduced, Lions were made to toil after losing the toss and being asked to field first.

Scott Myers (50) and Ryan Covey put on 98 for the first wicket, the latter was later run out by Breckon on 99.

Alton posted 199 for eight from 56 overs, with Rob Pack (4-54) and Tom Robinson (3-35) the only Bournemouth bowlers to claim wickets.

Lions were struggling when captain Park fell to leave the score on 71 for four, before Luke Webb (57) and Ed Denham (43) rebuilt.

But when Pack (15) became the fifth victim of Alton’s Matt Bacon (5-46), it was left to Robinson (13no) and Breckon (0no) to see out the final five overs, as the hosts closed on 167 for nine.

“I know the talent is there in the team,” said Park.

“We showed good signs with the bat, but at the same time their opening bowler also got the better of us on a couple of occasions and kept us on the back foot.

“But I was really pleased we showed the fight and determination to come out with a losing draw – it was positive for us that we didn’t lose.

“We bowled and fielded excellently, which was really pleasing to see.”