ANDY Neal believes team togetherness is the key to Bashley’s impressive rise to third place in SEPL Division One.

The New Forest outfit’s captain felt they were written off by many critics before the season started.

But only a frustrating last-wicket stand by Ventnor’s batsmen denied Neal’s team a third successive victory as the islanders closed on 178 for nine in reply to Bashley’s 212 for nine.

Neal, who saw Neil Thurgood hit 93 and Nick Baker 47 in his side’s winning draw, said: “On any other wicket, Neil would have got 150 or 160 because the middle was so slow.

“Nick did really well because he has been struggling for form this year and it was those two who got us up to 212.

“It looked like a draw all the way then Nick and I took three quick wickets in the last 10 overs, but couldn’t get out their South African opening bowler.”

Neal added: “The confidence in the side is fantastic.

“We’re third in the league and gained a point on Hampshire Academy in second, with home games against South Wilts and Havant to come.

“What’s really good about going so well is that we were written off by so many people at the beginning of the season.

“It’s all our own boys, from our own club, which is a good effort.

“We’re not the most talented side, but we’re all playing together as one.”

Leg-spinner David Beven bagged six for 85 for Ventnor, while Baker claimed three for 46 for Bashley.

• Nick Park (79), Chris Cooke (40) and Mark House (40) were in the runs for Bournemouth as they consolidated top spot with a four-wicket home triumph over St Cross Symondians.

Hamza Riazuddin cracked 101 as St Cross posted 236 for seven (Simon Ridley three for 48).

But the Chapel Gate outfit replied with 237 for six as they plundered 23 points to move further ahead of Hampshire Academy, who were held to a draw by South Wilts.

• Christian Pain (36) and Simon Beetham (27) top-scored for Lymington in their seven-wicket defeat at reigning champions Havant.

Chris Morgan (3-54) did most of the damage as Lymington were 175 all out, with Havant’s Ben Walker hitting 101 as they raced to 176 for three and a comfortable win.