Bournemouth Under-16s have retained the NatWest Indoor cricket Championship at the Rose Bowl in dramatic style, writes MIKE VIMPANY.

They edged a tense one-wicket semi-final victory over Havant by one wicket before beating hot favourites Basingstoke & North Hants by five runs in a thrilling final.

Yet the Chapel Gate youngsters almost blew their cup chances, dipping to 68-5 in the semi-final after bowling Havant out for 84 (Colin Hardaker 35).

But Chris Ridley kept his cool, playing out England YCs spinner Chris Morgan and Academy off-break prospect Stuart Ransley before completing a match-winning 42 not out.

Ironically, Ridley got a brute of a first baller in the final against Basingstoke - but his teammates rallied well, with Alex Kennedy (21) and Pete Smith (13) providing Ian Pearce with valuable support.

The left-handed Pearce went on to thump 65 in Bournemouth's 124 all out.

Basingstoke's excellent out-cricket led to five run-outs - but Bournemouth fielded just as well.

With Kennedy taking 3-23 and Ed Denham (2-23) achieving two later breakthroughs, Basingstoke dipped to 87-5.

But West of England Under-15 opener Darren Rouse, selected for the Easter tour to the West Indies, oozed quality and struck a superb 65. He looked set to be Basingstoke's match-winner but, with his side a six-hit away from victory, was superbly caught on the far boundary wall by Denham.

Hampshire cricketer Michael Brown, pictured presenting Bournemouth with their awards, praised the two finalists on the high standard of their cricket.

"The fielding was exemplary and the cricket overall quite absorbing to watch," he said.