BEN Draper made his highest Southern League Premier Division score, but was unable to prevent South Wilts slipping to a two-wicket defeat at Bournemouth, which may have put paid to their title aspirations.

Draper made an unbeaten 106 out of a South Wilts' total of 191 and looked as though he might have a chance of finishing on the winning side when Bournemouth dropped to 161-7.

But his prospects of an unlikely celebration were dulled when Bournemouth’s Robbie Pack struck two mighty sixes late on to seal a tense victory for the Chapel Gate outfit.

The defeat ended South Wilts’ mini revival and left them effectively 39 points adrift of leaders Bashley (Rydal) going into the final five ‘white ball’ 50-over matches of the season.

Draper’s 106 was his second century in South Wilts colours (he made 100 v St Cross Symondians last summer) and came with South Wilts reeling at 25-4 after a three-wicket new-ball blast by Dan Conway, who finished with 5-43.

Draper’s 76-run stand with Raff Hussey (24) enabled South Wilts to partially rebuild the innings, but with Jeremy Warner taking 3-27 and wicketkeeper Chris Park snapping up four catches, he ran out of partners.

Bournemouth lost an early wicket when talented opener Luke Webb went leg before to Steve Warner.

However, Nick Park (51) and Adam Davies (41) took the score on to 89 before Davies was caught by Ryan Murray off the bowling of Jack Mynott.

This built a firm base from which Bournemouth successfully edged their way to their target.

Steve Warner 2-26 finally removed Nick Park when he was caught behind by Tom Morton.

Mynott added two more wickets to his tally to finish with 3-56 and Will Harries also returned 3-27, knocking back the stumps of Ed Denham and took two more wickets courtesy of catches by Peter Rowe and Mynott.

South Wilts sniffed an improbable chance, but Robbie Pack struck two fours then two mighty sixes to settle matters once and for all.

The two-wicket win lifted Bournemouth 35 points clear from bottom side Basingstoke and North Hants, while second placed South Wilts are effectively 39 points behind leaders Bashley (Rydal).

They will now hope they can close the gap on their New Forest rivals, ahead of a final day clash on August 31.

This quest starts on Saturday with a trip to Havant who will currently eighth in the table.

The following day, South Wilts hosts Wiltshire's latest three day game against Wales.