COLE Rushworth celebrated a maiden five-wicket haul and Tom Robinson struck an accomplished half-century as Bournemouth eased their concerns about being sucked into the ECB Southern Premier League relegation mire with a timely victory over Havant.

In the final round of 'time pennant' matches, South Africa-raised Rushworth took 5-36 as Havant were dismissed for 138 - a total Bournemouth eventually overhauled, courtesy of Robinson's 55 and later eighth-wicket pair Robbie Pack and Connor Smith, who eased Lions' dressing room nerves in a tense finale.

Rushworth, who only became eligible to play for Bournemouth this season, struck twice with consecutive deliveries in the 22nd over, removing Peter Hopson's leg stump and then trapping Chris Stone leg before first ball.

Hopson (27) departed at 53-2, after which Havant lost six wickets for 38 runs, Rushworth also removing Chris Morgan, Sonny Reynolds and Richard Jerry on his way to achieving a personal best.

Harry Gadd, whose unbeaten 68 contained a six and five fours, could only look on as a succession of batting partners came and went - Dan Conway (2-37) snaring a brace - before enjoying a meaningful tenth wicket stand with Kai Ziemkendorf, which raised Havant's score from 102-9 to 138 all out.

When Jerry (2-29) removed Tasmanian Tom Wiloughby's off-stump first ball and sent James Van Gool packing with the final delivery of the fifth over, Bournemouth were struggling at 8-2.

By the start of the 16th over, when Luke Webb (18) joined Robinson, Bournemouth were 37-4, the pair almost doubling the score before Chris Park helped ease their reply to 93-6.

The game was Havant's to win at that point, but Robinson - grandson of spectating former Poole Town and Dorset cricketer David Robinson - is developing into a fine young cricketer and  turned the match with a fine half-century.  

His decisive 55 contained a six and seven fours, left-arm spinner Chris Morgan (3-36) getting a leg before decision in his favour. Havant were loud and often excessive in their appealing.

At 120-7, Bournemouth still had work to do, but Pack (15) and Smith (11) kept their cool and got the Lions across the line by three wickets.