SKIPPER Rob Coombs admits newly-promoted Bournemouth are on a Division Two survival mission.
The Chapel Gate outfit are one of only two clubs to boast first and second teams in the top two tiers of the Southern Premier League.
And while Craig de Weymarn’s firsts are flying high at the Division One summit, Coombs’s second string are still finding their feet in the level below.
A weather-interrupted start to the campaign has seen Bournemouth win one of their opening three fixtures to leave them fourth from bottom.
Their credentials will be tested when they host second-placed Andover tomorrow (1pm) and in next week’s clash at Havant – whose firsts are also in the top flight.
Former Somerset player Coombs said: “I think the Havant match will be the main yardstick for us. The division is split in two and it is a big step up.
“You’ve got the likes of New Milton and Rowledge in the top half and we’re in the bottom half. Our aim for the season is to survive.
“We’re coming up against first teams, most of which have an overseas player, and we don’t have that luxury in the twos.”
Jake Hurley, Bournemouth’s 16-year-old opening batsman, has certainly stepped up to the plate this season, while under-15 Ryan Scott, son of former Hampshire man Richard Scott, is likely to be pushed up the order against Andover.
Bournemouth: Allum, Hurley, Smith, C Ridley, Scott, S Ridley, Kennedy, Clarke, Stanniford, Garlick, Coombs.
• Wicketkeeper Tom Wainwright returns for Bournemouth’s opening time pennant contest at Havant in Division One (11.30am), while Matt King is back for Bashley’s trip to Totton & Eling. Lymington head to old rivals Ventnor.
Bournemouth: House, Miller, J Park, Watkins, de Weymarn, Cooke, N Park, Metcalfe, Denham, Barlow, Wainwright.
Bashley: Sexton, Thurgood, P Morris, R Morris, Baker, Neal, Prince, Friedman, King, Nash, R Grierson.
Lymington: Treagus, Barton, Rushbrook, McMurray, Khan, C Grierson, Kelly, Beetham, Pain, Thacker, Elliott.
• Division Two leaders New Milton are unchanged for the visit of Burridge (1pm).
New Milton: Wheeler, Prodomo, Gargaro, Neal, Linge, Freeman, Loader, Adlem, R Beck, L Beck, Seneratne.
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