DAVID Dunn is hoping “abrasive” front-row warrior Frazer Wilford will prove the perfect Lion to tame the big names of Hartpury College.
The fiercely competitive hooker is set to return to the Bournemouth team when they host much-fancied Hartpury at Chapel Gate tomorrow (2.30pm).
Hartpury arrive boasting a strong reputation and their XV could include former England international prop Darren Crompton and nine-cap Welsh player Nathan Thomas.
The duo both combine playing roles with positions at Hartpury, the college which also houses the Gloucester rugby academy.
But Dunn wants Lions star Wilford, who missed the trip to Redruth last time out, to help the hosts spring a surprise in the National Two South clash.
The Bournemouth director of rugby told the Daily Echo: “Frazer is a really consistent player. Every team needs a player like Frazer Wilford.
“He does all the hard work on the inside that doesn’t get noticed.
“He is a fantastic club man and works very hard off the field for the club. He is a real leader in the forward pack and is totally passionate.
“He is a very abrasive player and doesn’t shirk contact. He gives good go-forward ball for us.
“He is a former Scotland under-19s international and was also at Rotherham in the Championship. He knows the game.”
Previewing tomorrow’s match, Dunn added: “They will have former internationals in Darren Crompton and Nathan Thomas.
“They will certainly have potential Gloucester Premiership players as well. But we beat them in their own back yard two years ago when they were in our league. They don’t hold any fears for us.
“We have been in sparkling home form and it makes for a fantastic spectacle.”
Fourth-tier newcomers Bournemouth have 10 points from four league matches this term, with two wins and two defeats. Unbeaten Hartpury have two victories and one draw.
Lions: (from) Featherstone, Wilford, Cawley, Carrel, Manning, Andrews, Brooks, Forrest, Peart, Grace, Hart, Hardcastle, Stewart, Trow, Stevenson, Chislett, Connolly, O’Brien, Dunkerley, Pollard, Edwards.
- In South West One East, struggling Swanage & Wareham host Salisbury.
Oakmeadians visit Weymouth in Southern Counties South, while Wimborne host Frome.
London Three South West outfit Ellingham & Ringwood entertain Old Blues.
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