LIONS chief David Dunn has hailed the passionate approach of Alan Manning and says the captain has led by example during the team’s fight against relegation.

Manning has been a key figure during Bournemouth’s rise through the divisions and has played 89 consecutive league games for the club.

Manning will again skipper Lions as they bid to move a step closer to National Two South safety when they visit Canterbury tomorrow (3pm).

Director of rugby Dunn told the Daily Echo: “Alan is a fantastic leader on and off the field. He is tremendously passionate and leads from the front. Whether on a Saturday or in training, he is always the first man there.”

Lions hauled themselves out of the bottom two with a 10-try demolition of basement outfit Barking.

But with rivals Lydney favourites to win at Barking tomorrow, Dunn is desperate for Bournemouth to claim a positive result against Canterbury, who Lions beat 32-17 in their season opener.

Dunn said: “We are going there full of confidence, having already beaten them, but we are mindful of the fact they have strengthened.”

Lions: (from) Carrell, Wilford, Manning, Firetto, Spikings, Forrest, Collier, Peart, Hughes, Bovett, Vaughan-Edwards, Booth, Hart, Hardcastle, Drake, Stevenson, Connolly, Stewart, Edwards, Chislett, Robinson, Pollard, Bruce.

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