Captain Ali Jaffer admits Lymington’s fragile battling is becoming a “concern”.

Jaffer’s comments come in the wake of Lymington capitulating for just 88 at Bashley (Rydal) last weekend, their second collapse in succession.

Big guns Glyn Treagus and Darren Cowley have managed just one half century each this season, as have skipper Jaffer and Australian overseas player Scott Henry.

The biggest disappointment for Lymington has been former Paultons player Rob O’Brien, who has mustered a paltry 46 runs in six innings – with 18 against Totton & Eling his highest score.

Cameron Grierson is the only batsman to have registered three figures, while Lymington have been relying on all-rounder Matt Metcalfe to bail them out down the order.

Ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Bournemouth, Jaffer said: “Our batting is just not firing. But there is enough quality in the batting department that we can’t go on for long not scoring.

“Players need to spend some time and be a bit patient and the runs will come. The boys understand it and are being honest. Hopefully, we will take responsibility in the future because it is a concern.

“We have had a couple of bad games with the bat and can’t fault the bowlers. It is disappointing and it is time to pull up our socks.

“We need to turn up against Bournemouth and perform much better than we have in our past two games.”

Matt Metcalfe, who missed the Bashley debacle, returns at the Sports Ground, where he took 9-51 against South Wilts in his last appearance – only to finish on the losing side.

Bournemouth have lost Ryan Scott to the Hampshire Academy.