HAMPSHIRE'S table-topping Academy side avenged one of its two defeats by inflicting an 86-run defeat on mid-table Bournemouth at the Utilita Bowl Nursery ground.
It left the county youngsters, whose ranks include Dorset talent Finn Gordon and Hamworthy leg spinner Zack Basey, three points ahead of Bashley with four 50-over 'white ball' ECB Southern Premier League matches left to play.
Fresh from his century making exploits for the Academy and Dorset (v Wales NC) the previous weekend, Gordon was caught behind for 49 - one of five dismissals for Ben Rogers - at 104-1.
Ben Mayes went on to make a fine 98, while Andrew MacEwen (40) and Sam Davis (35) helped the Academy on to a formidable 284-8.
Aiden Mayer took 4-57 for Bournemouth, whose prospects of featuring in a run chase were hindered with Luke Webb suffering from a migraine.
Opener James Van Gool (30) showed a touch of class, but Bournemouth needed a significant batting contribution and only Simon Woodruff (50) obliged.
Lions welcome second-placed Bashley (Rydal) to Chapel Gate on Saturday (12.30pm).
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