BOURNEMOUTH kept alive their slim hopes of Premier Division survival with victory over Lymington – but skipper Martin Miller admitted Lions were still on a sticky wicket.

The backmarkers’ 73-run success at Chapel Gate ensured maximum points against Lymo, but with relegation rivals St Cross picking up six batting points in their defeat at Havant, Miller’s men need a miracle next weekend.

Lions need another maximum haul at Bashley on the final day as well as a win for Alton over St Cross.

But whatever the outcome, Miller maintained he was proud of his charges for their showing in the second half of the season.

“The lads have kept playing and have produced some really good cricket,” said Miller. “If only the season started in August!

“St Cross got six of the 10 bonus they needed and even if we get maximum points next week, it is going to be a tall order.

“Their batting is very strong and Bashley will be no easy fixture for us, but we’ll go in with the same positive attitude we always do.”

Dom Hand (54) and George Russell (37*) were the mainstays of Bournemouth’s 240 for seven with Lymington bowled out for 167 in response, despite captain Ali Jaffer (77) scoring well. Matt Mixer (3-35) and Gurpreet Singh (3-54) did the damage for the home side.

Elsewhere, skipper Richard Morris’s century was not enough to inspire Bashley to victory at South Wilts as the hosts secured the championship with a nine-wicket success.

Morris provided 101 as Bash registered 233 for nine, but the Southern League’s top dogs won when Tom Morton (105*) and Jack Mynott (100*) struck unbeaten centuries.

In Division One, New Milton slipped to a three-wicket defeat to Burridge.

After a nightmare start for Milton, the early dismissals of Nick Park, Mark House and skipper Ryan Beck saw the hosts struggle on three for three before James Park (83) and Lee Beck (57) pushed their total up to 186 for seven.

However, Sam Lavery (62*) helped the visitors recover from a rocky start to their innings and Burridge eventually won with 11 balls to spare, totalling 187 for seven.