SKIPPER Lee Beck hailed the exploits of new recruit Nick ‘Pixie’ Elliott after New Milton had put a spoke through Rowledge’s Division Two promotion hopes.

Beck labelled the teenager’s spell of two for 22 from 10 overs as “match-winning” as New Milton earned some breathing space with a 33-run victory at Fernhill.

Josh Hill (73) and Dan Adlem (40) were instrumental in New Milton posting a challenging 223 for nine against second-placed Rowledge.

And after another explosive opening burst from Eric Linge (3-34) had unsettled the visitors, Elliott, a recent addition from neighbours Lymington, helped dismiss them for 190.

Beck said: “It was a great performance and it just shows what can be achieved when we all pull together and play as a team.”

• Bournemouth’s fragile batting resources again crumbled as leaders Ventnor condemned them to a seven-wicket defeat.

Ryan Scott (49) and Pete Smith (25) helped Bournemouth reach 152, a target the Islanders passed with relative ease at 155 for three.