New Milton skipper Eric Linge is hoping their dramatic triumph over Bournemouth will belatedly herald “the start of our season”.

Milton finally opened their Southern League Division Two account after edging out their rivals by one run, although the margin of victory was calculated at just 0.44 of a run as the Lions had been set a revised target.

An absorbing rain-affected contest at Fernhill went in Milton’s favour after Kevin Boudville caught Pete Smith in the final over to end the Bournemouth dangerman’s heroic knock.

Milton will be looking to add to their victory when they host Hartley Wintney tomorrow (1pm) and Linge said: “It was a day of highs and lows against Bournemouth.

“The Milton of old is used to getting close to the finish line but not taking the final leap and putting everything into the win. We dug deep and held our nerve.

“In the space of one ball, I went from being the most miserable man ever to the happiest one. When Kevin took his catch it felt like the start of our season.”

Bournemouth skipper Alex Kennedy welcomes back teenage batsman George Russell for their trip to leaders Hook & Newnham Basics (1pm).

Kennedy said: “We were gutted to lose in those circumstances. We were unsure about the ruling at the end but it was quite clear in the SPL handbook.”

New Milton: Linge, M Freeman, Hill, Adlem, Wheeler, R Beck, Rose, Loader, L Beck, Boudville, Locke.

Bournemouth: Kennedy, C Ridley, Porter, Scott, Hurley, J Coombs, Russell, Smith, Patel, Blake, R Coombs.