PLAYER-coach Tim Collier believes busy training sessions are a sign that Bournemouth’s season is heading in the right direction.

Having lost their opening three games in National Three South West, Lions have won twice in as many weeks against Barnstaple and Weston-super-Mare.

And Collier reckons increased numbers in midweek sessions will give Lions the opportunity to build on that run over the coming weeks and months.

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brixham (2.30pm), Collier told the Daily Echo: “A lot more people are turning up to training now and the shirts are there for the taking.

“The numbers we have at training can only be a good thing because it puts pressure on players and people are fighting for their places.

“The senior boys know that if they don’t turn up to training then it’s only a matter of time before the youngsters take over.”

Brixham have won three of their opening four league games with their only defeat coming at home to leaders Exmouth a fortnight ago.

Bournemouth are faced with a 112-mile trip to Astley Park and lock Collier insists he and his team-mates must make sure the journey is worthwhile.

“It’s one of the furthest away games we’ve got but we’re making the effort to make the trip so we have to make the effort on the pitch,” said Collier.

“Two away games in seven days is hard but there is no point going down there unless we are going to compete.

“Brixham are sitting quite well in the table but the win is there for the taking. If we turn up on Saturday like we did against Barnstaple two weeks ago then we won’t have a problem.

“We have worked on various aspects of the game where we think we can expose Brixham and hopefully on Saturday we’ll come up trumps.”

Hooker Luke Richardson is set for his first start in a Lions jersey tomorrow while flanker Tony Dunkerley will make a rare appearance.

Former Hartpury College scrum-half Grant Hancox is due to takes his place amongst the replacements, as are returning duo Josh Terry and George Antoniades.

Lions: Dennett, Morgan, Roberts, Chislett, Graesser, Sanchez, Hardcastle, Firetto, Richardson, Manning, Collier, Rees, Ashburner, Dunkerley, Hennings. Replacements: Antoniades, Hancox, Terry.