DORSET Dockers coach Tim Flower is relishing the prospect of his fledgling side going head-to-head with the area’s established clubs following promotion to Southern Counties South.

The Potterne Park outfit have swept aside all challengers in the Dorset & Wilts leagues, including a British record 212-0 victory over Dorchester II in March 2014.

Having formed just two years ago, the club steamrollered its way to the Division One crown this season, finishing with a 10-point cushion over nearest rivals Bournemouth II.

Dockers won 19 of their 22 league outings to top Lions' second string and join the likes of Wimborne, Salisbury and Dorchester in rugby union’s seventh tier next term.

Flower told the Daily Echo: “We always said our success would never be measured by results alone because we wanted to set up something different.

"The focus from the start was on playing a Barbarians-style rugby where the players can just enjoy their game and having talented lads playing with a smile on their face has become a recipe for success.

"Now we find ourselves at a level that is right for us and it will be nice to test ourselves against proper, established clubs like Wimborne and even try to surpass them if we can.

“The leagues are set for a restructure at the end of next season and the top six teams are likely to be promoted in effect, so the timing of us reaching this level couldn’t be better.

“We probably have a way to go to catch up with the likes of Swanage & Wareham but we can only be pleased with our progress and all the credit must go to the players and people who give of their time to keep the club running.”

Dockers rounded off their triumphant campaign with an 80-10 hammering of Frome II on Saturday, seven days after sealing their crown with a 32-18 win over nearest challengers Bournemouth II.

Flower singled out former Lion and top try-scorer Dan Mallard, number 10 Tommy Kier and ever-present prop James Cameron for special praise.

“To start every match at any level is quite an achievement so James in particular deserves recognition. Dan has racked up so many points and proved a constant menace, while Tommy has been a model of consistency.

“It has been a cracking season from all the lads, though, with our success built on everyone wanting to be here and playing for each other week after week.

“That was the dream when we started out so to see it come to fruition so quickly and in the manner it has fills me with a lot of pride.

“We will just enjoy our summer, play some sevens rugby and make sure we’re back nice and early to prepare for the challenge that lies ahead.”