Bournemouth Rugby target bonus point win in promotion push

Bournemouth director of rugby Will Croker has challenged his side to earn a bonus point victory against North Dorset this weekend.

The Lions will look to boost their promotion bid when they return to Regional 2 South Central division action tomorrow.

After winning their last three matches, Bournemouth sit fourth, four points behind third-placed Winchester, and Croker is confident they are capable of producing another statement result.

“They are a huge pack. It’s going to be how we handle that. I’d expect us to have enough firepower in our backs required to get a bonus point,” he said.

Despite the Lions’ near-faultless start to the season, Croker has insisted there is no hidden secret behind their success.

He said: “It’s just working hard. We’ve got a new game plan, we’ve got a new defensive pattern and we’ve got new players.”

The game is set to be played at Bournemouth’s Chapel Gate, a ground capable of handling a capacity crowd of 1,500.

“Having the stand that other clubs don’t have makes for a good atmosphere. It feels like you’re in a professional environment,” Croker said.

Bournemouth have only played two home games this season but Croker believes turning the ground into a fortress will be key to a successful campaign.

“We need Chapel Gate to be a fortress,” he said. “We worked out the maths.

“If you can win all your games at home with a bonus point, and average three points away from home then you’ll be in the top three challenge for promotion.”

After being deemed unavailable at short notice last time out, scrum-half Sam Hardcastle is set to return to the bench on Saturday.

“Sam’s an absolute revelation, he’s 43 now but he looks 23. He has now played over 400 matches, which is astonishing,” said Croker.

A win and a bonus point on Saturday could take Bournemouth up into third place.

Croker said: “Promotion has always been a stretch goal for me this season.  If we can finish in the top three, that would be great. If we got promoted that would be closer to a miracle than not.”