DAVID Dunn believes clubs at Lions’ level should take as a warning Newbury’s dramatic fall from grace.

The Blues were plying their trade in the Championship only five years ago alongside the likes of Harlequins and Northampton, but since getting into financial difficulties in 2008, they have suffered three consecutive relegations.

To compound the Berkshire club’s misery, they are propping up the rest in National Three South West without a win in 17 games and go into tomorrow’s home clash against Lions following a 112-5 reverse at Chapel Gate earlier in the season.

Dunn, whose side lead the table going into the game, told the Echo: “It’s a great shame to see a club like Newbury where they are. Two or three of our players played against them in the Championship and their demise is a real shame because it is a fantastic set-up there.

“But if you build a club on money, you always risk a dramatic demise if that money is withdrawn.

“Bridgwater and Bracknell are in the same boat to a certain extent, as are Manchester higher up the leagues.

“Our formula, which is having a group of lads who play for each other rather than being paid, is one that works.

“It is a hard balance between wanting to be progressive, but also maintaining the notion of being a ‘club’.

“Personally, I believe players should only be paid in the Premiership and Championship and the rest of the game should remain amateur.

“There are clubs at our level paying players £120 per game and it is ridiculous.

“Newbury need to find their level again and then build from there. At the moment they are a bunch of young lads in their first season together, so they will have to find their level and then regroup.”

Callum Forrest, Chris Hughes and Eddie Edwards all return to Dunn’s squads following spells on the sidelines through injury tomorrow.

Lions: K Lynch, Searle, Chislett, Stewart, Pollard, Hardcastle, Tarrant, Wilford, R Lynch, Manning, Seward, Cawley, Hennings, Hart, Forrest, Hughes, Edwards.