DEFENDING champions Bournemouth breathed life into their title quest – and plunged Lymington deeper into the relegation mire – with victory at Chapel Gate.

The Lions’ hopes of earning back-to-back crowns have been hit by the loss of key players, with Dorset bowler Ed Denham last week becoming the latest to head for the exit.

But they responded in winning fashion on Saturday and had too much for lowly Lymington, who have managed three wins from nine matches this term.

Dorset all-rounder Mark House was key to Bournemouth’s three-wicket triumph as he led the way to help the 2010 Division One winners claim their first success in time pennant cricket this term.

However, Bournemouth looked like they might be made to pay for opting to bowl after winning the toss when Lymington made an excellent start.

Cameron Grierson (75) and Glyn Treagus (33) put the hosts on the back foot as they shared an opening stand of 82.

Dorset star Darren Cowley (19) and Rob Lammiman (22) kept things ticking over and Lymo were reasonably placed until House (4-32) took centre stage.

He trapped Lammiman lbw before going on to take three further wickets to restrict the visitors to 217 for eight in their 64 overs.

In reply, Nick Park (17) and Nick Evans (16) fell cheaply to Simon Beetham but stand-in skipper James Park, batting at number three, dropped anchor and steadied the ship with a patient 50 off 125 deliveries.

With House (24) and Alex Butler (32) also chipping in, Bournemouth found themselves well placed to complete the victory.

Despite two wickets apiece for Cowley (2-35) and Treagus (2-50), they did just that thanks to Chris Ridley (18*) and Matt Metcalfe, whose unbeaten 26 came from just 15 balls and included two sixes.

The win saw Bournemouth jump to second in the standings behind leaders Havant.

• Bashley’s challenge suffered a setback when they failed to chase South Wilts’ total of 134.

High-flying Bash put themselves in a commanding position by dismissing the hosts cheaply after winning the toss.

Captain Andy Neal (4-7) was in sensational form and with Kevin Nash claiming three for 27, South Wilts could manage just 134 (Tom Cowley 47).

But Bash, for whom Neil Thurgood struck 50, struggled in reply. James Tomlinson (5-25) was the architect of their downfall as they finished 11 runs short.