EDDIE Abel’s stunning display helped open South Wilts’ ECB Southern Electric Premier League championship account with a 79-run victory over Bournemouth at Chapel Gate.
The chunky, pocket-sized left-arm spin all-rounder continued his excellent start to the season with a fine 89 at the top of Wilts’ innings and followed it up by ripping through the Bournemouth lower order to finish the day with a five-wicket return.
Initially supported by Steve Riddle (46) and later James Hibberd (42), Abel hit a six and ten fours in his knock.
Zimbabwe under 19 all-rounder Ryan Burl smashed a quick-fire 38 off 21 balls as South Wilts raced on to 263-5.
Bournemouth, in close season turmoil following a series of player departures, responded at speed with Australia Academy all-rounder Alex Keath hitting a run-a-ball 24 before being trapped leg by Hibberd.
Dorset under 17 prospect Dom Hand (49) got his head down and added a tidy 64 with Jonny Coombs (38), before Rob Franklin (2-47) and Burl (1-37) sent three wickets tumbling for six runs.
A Bournemouth victory was never on the agenda but Hand and Alex Allum (35) made South Wilts work for their spoils.
They took Bournemouth on to 170-4 before Abel grabbed the ball and ripped through the tail with a spell of 5-9 in 5.2 overs.
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