DARREN Cowley announced his return to the SPL by compiling one of the most explosive knocks in competition history to help Lymington win their New Forest duel with Bashley.

Cowley launched a ferocious assault on the Bashley attack, his swashbuckling innings turning the tide in Lymington’s favour after they had made an unconvincing start in pursuit of their victory target.

The 34-year-old, who played his club cricket with Suttoners after leaving Bournemouth a couple of years ago, hit a controlled and boundary-laden 84 to pave the way for Lymington’s four-wicket victory at the Sports Ground.

Cowley’s wagon wheel showed 15 fours and two sixes, his 50 coming off just 44 deliveries, with only a debatable umpiring decision costing him the chance of going on to make a maiden SPL century.

“I have never seen anyone at club level hit the ball as hard from a stand-still position,” said Lymington captain Christian Pain, who shared a crucial fifth-wicket partnership of 84 with Dorset star Cowley. “They bowled short at him and he annihilated it everywhere.

“Darren is going to be a major player for us and will help fill the void created by losing Morgan Rushbrook. I didn’t know him until this season but he is a superb guy. He makes a difference to the other players because he gets behind them and breeds confidence.”

Cowley, who also starred with the ball as Bashley were restricted to 188 for eight from their allotted 50 overs, came to the wicket with Lymington reeling following a disastrous start.

Openers Glyn Treagus and Ollie Kelly were both back in the pavilion with the score on five before John Higginson and Rob Lammiman soon followed to leave them in trouble at 32 for four.

However, with Pain providing solid support, Cowley set about the Bashley bowling and all but took away the contest from the visitors during his 66-ball stay.

After Cowley had been contentiously trapped in front by Kevin Nash (4-24), Pain (56) maintained the momentum and was unbeaten at the close. Teenager Nick Elliott (11) showed great maturity during a sixth-wicket stand of 47 with Pain after Bashley had scented victory following Cowley’s departure.

Earlier, Cowley (1-20) and Treagus (2-18) had put the brakes on following a promising start that had seen Bashley reach 97 for the loss of only opener Andy Sexton.

But after Neil Thurgood (41) and Nick Baker (57) had both perished having put on 92 for the second wicket, only Shaun Lilley (36) made a significant contribution to the Bashley total (Simon Beetham 3-51).

Pain added: “It was a superb team effort. I know Darren scored 84, but everyone contributed and it worked in partnerships. Hopefully, this victory will be a huge confidence booster.”

While defeat for leaders Bashley saw their unbeaten start ended, the same fate befell second-placed Bournemouth after they suffered a narrow four-run loss against Alton at Chapel Gate.

Only Ed Denham (3-44) made in-roads as Alton piled up 253 for eight (Dave Taylor 100, Marc-Antony Eysele 58). And although Nick Park (48), Nick Evans (31), James Park (22), Mark House (34) and Simon Watkins (38) all made starts, Bournemouth were stopped short by Julian Ballinger (4-37) and fifth-change bowler Darren Augustus (5-44).