RIAD Lynch became the first Bournemouth prop to chalk up a league hat-trick as they battered Cleve 65-5 at The Hayfields.

The former Havant and Wimborne forward scored a genuine triple, diving over either side of the break to score three successive touchdowns.

Lions ran in 10 tries as they maintained top spot in National Three South West.

Scott Chislett (two), Ben Stewart, Sam Hardcastle, Dan Pollard, Dan Connolly and Karim Lynch also got on the scoresheet.

Pollard slotted over six conversions and one penalty to take his individual tally to 20 points in his first start since late November.

“But it was Riad’s day,” said Bournemouth’s chief David Dunn, who had never seen a prop grab three tries in a single match during his long career as player and coach.

Dunn added: “Riad is a great squad member. He trains hard and every time he gets his opportunity, he takes it with both hands and fully deserves his new club record.

“He finished on the wing because of a late injury to Sam Hardcastle, but that just shows Riad’s versatility.

“Riad’s nicknamed ‘The Camel’ because of his phenomenal work rate. He just gets everywhere on the pitch.

“He was in the right place at the right time for all three tries. He just popped up to get on the end of our moves.

“Sam got a bump on the head so we took him off as a precaution, just like we did Chris Hughes, who has an ongoing hand problem.

“Dan Connolly looked very promising.

“He’s a bit match-rusty because he hasn’t played for a while, but he fitted in very well, showed some great touches and scored a try on his debut.”

Lions: K Lynch, Connolly, Bruce, Chislett, Stewart, Pollard, Hardcastle (Yarwood 52), R Lynch, Wilford, Manning, Forrest, Seward, Hennings, Ford, Hughes (Tarrant 52).