THE Red Arrows roared overhead as Tom Cheater and Joe Eckland hit half-centuries to guide Hampshire Academy to an eight-wicket win over Bournemouth in the final match of the season.

Cheater made 55 and Eckland 52 not out as the county youngsters chased down a modest Bournemouth total of 161 with 14 overs to spare, writes Mike Vimpany.

The 18-year-old pair, now 'over age', were probably playing for the Academy for the final time while, at the opposite end of the age spectrum Ben Mayes, the 15-year old King Edward VI prospect, returned a tidy 3-16, which included seven wides.

Bournemouth made a solid enough start but once the Academy broke through (at 46-1) wickets tumbled, with Tasmanian left-hander Tom Willoughby (40) having to glue the innings together. It was his farewell game too.

Spin trio Ethan Baker (2-25), Charlie Collins (2-37) and Verwood-raised Zac Basey (2-38) nibbled away, while Chris Park (27) and Rob Pack (25) did their best to keep Bournemouth afloat. Mayes took the last two wickets.

It took Bournemouth 18 overs to break through, but by the time Wilfred La Fontaine Jackson (35) fell leg before to Cole Rushworth, the Academy were well set.

The Winchester College batsman twice cleared the Chapel Gate boundary rope while Cheater (55) and Eckland, with an unbeaten 52, completed fifties before the win target as achieved.

Bournemouth’s relatively young side finished seventh in the table with four wins.