BOURNEMOUTH completed their National Two South warm-up campaign with a narrow loss against Sheffield.

Lions were left wounded by the Tigers as Budge Pountney’s men went down 27-26 in the pre-season friendly trial clash, held in Northampton last Saturday.

Bournemouth’s record try-scorer Sam Hardcastle and hooker Frazer Wilford both touched down, with Lions also awarded two penalty tries. Dan Pollard added two conversions and Scott Chislett kicked one.

It was the first meeting between the two clubs who ply their trades at the same level of English rugby, with Sheffield having finished sixth in the equivalent National Two North division last season.

Pountney’s first competitive match in charge since succeeding David Dunn will come against Taunton at Chapel Gate on Saturday (2.30pm).

  • Rugby in North Dorset received a major boost when Blandford RFC was chosen by the RFU for a Better Facilities Grant ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Blandford were selected for a Lead Up & Legacy Goalpost Safety grant, which will enhance the club’s facilities.