CAPTAIN Martin Miller has hailed Alex Keath’s “immense contribution” to Bournemouth’s brave battle to preserve their top-flight status.

Keath made a huge impact at Chapel Gate after being recruited by the Premier Division strugglers from the Ageas Bowl International Cricket Academy at the start of this season.

The 21-year-old all-rounder this week headed back down under after being called up by Victoria for a Sheffield Shield warm-up clash against Tasmania on Sunday.

Keath scored more than 600 runs for the Lions and is level on 31 with Lymington’s Matt Metcalfe at the top of the SPL wicket-takers’ charts.

Miller told the Daily Echo: “He was the perfect fit for us and we were very fortunate to have had him. He is a superb cricketer and has a very bright future ahead of him.

“Without his contribution, both on and off the pitch, we would probably have been sunk halfway through the season. He was an inspiration to everybody.

“He helped me try to motivate players who had not previously played at this level.

“He is a winner and wants to win everything. He always gave everything, even during the pre-match warm-up football! I can’t speak highly enough of him.”

Miller’s men must win their final two games of the season to stand any chance of avoiding retaining the wooden spoon.

They host 50-over pennant table-toppers Lymington on Saturday (12.30pm) before completing their campaign at Bashley.

Bournemouth: Miller, Hand, Rogers, Scott, Hurley, Singh, Watton, Wainwright, Russell, Chow, Mixer.

Lymington: Jaffer, Treagus, Henry, Cowley, Beetham, Ellis, Kidner, C Grierson, Metcalfe, Moors, Freeman.

  • Bashley travel to Premier Division leaders South Wilts, while New Milton host Division One high-fliers Burridge (both 12.30pm).

Bashley: Morris, Thurgood, Digby, Baker, Gilmour, Watkins, Friedman, Dean, Grierson, Nash, Rapson.

New Milton: R Beck, N Park, J Park, Prodomo, House, Staniford, L Beck, Wakefield, Watts, Loader, Gargaro.

  • Lymington are mourning the passing of former player and vice-president Bill Craft, who died this week following a short illness.