BOURNEMOUTH have been handed a trio of tough opening fixtures after the National Three South West fixtures were released.

Lions, promoted from the fifth-tier division two seasons ago, begin on September 6 with a trip to newly-promoted South West One East champions Oxford Harlequins, who ran in more than 1,000 points last season.

Crispin Cormack’s men then kick-off their home campaign against last season’s runners-up Redingensians before travelling to Exmouth, who will also be looking to bounce straight back after relegation from National Two South along with rivals Bournemouth.

The champions of the 14-team league gain automatic promotion while the runners-up take part in a play-off against their counterparts from National Three South East.

There are three relegation places.

 

BOURNEMOUTH FIXTURES 2014-15

SEPTEMBER 6 Oxford Harlequins (A) 13 Redingensians (H) 20 Exmouth (A) 27 Barnstaple (H)

OCTOBER 4 Weston-super-Mare (A) 11 Brixham (A) 18 Chard (H) 25 Bracknell (A)

NOVEMBER 1 Hornets (H) 15 Newton Abbot (A) 22 Old Centralians (H)

DECEMBER 6 Old Patesians (A) 13 Old Redcliffians (H) 20 Redingensians (A)

JANUARY 3 Exmouth (H) 10 Barnstaple (A) 17 Weston-super-Mare (H) 31 Brixham (H)

FEBRUARY 7 Chard (A) 21 Bracknell (H) 28 Hornets (A)

MARCH 7 Newton Abbot (H) 21 Old Centralians (A) 28 Old Patesians (H)

APRIL 11 Old Redcliffians (A) 18 Oxford Harlequins (H)