ONLY five runs separated Bournemouth from a Bashley (Rydal) total of 216-9 at the end of an enthralling ECB Southern Premier League derby at Chapel Gate.

The Lions closed at 211-7 having needed 16 runs to win off Jacob Gordon's final over - teenager George Guirdham cranking up the tension by launching the spinner's second ball for six.

But Bournemouth could only manage three more singles off the 50th over and fell narrowly short of the target having earlier been in the box seat through half-centuries by Luke Webb (59) and Simon Woodruff (52).

They needed 39 runs off the last seven overs, but the loss of Webb to a high boundary catch at 188-5 was a significant turning point.

The result was a boost to Bashley's title ambitions, with the New Forest village club only two points behind South Wilts with three matches left to play.

Cole Rushforth (2-42) dealt Bashley a double blow by removing Dorset teenager Will Tripcony and Jack Stearman in quick succession.

But Saif Achakzai, with a breezy 57, took the attack to Bournemouth, as did fit again Michael Porter (33), missing with a broken finger for the previous ten matches.

Jacob Gordon carefully constructed his 80 (one six and four fours) which went a long way to ensuring Bashley posted a competitive target.  Nonetheless, dropping from 161-3 to 216-9 was a disappointment for the visitors.

South African Adrian Meyer (3-34) bowled tidily for the Lions and later helped Webb take Bournemouth to 104-2.

While Webb and Woodruff were together, Bournemouth fancied themselves, but Dan Goodey (3-41) struck twice in quick succession to knock their chances.  In the end, Bashley's 216-9 proved just too much.