RUGBY: Head coach Will Croker is keen to take the positives from Bournemouth's testing start to the season – even if results have yet to reflect performance levels.

Lions have lost two of their opening three National Three South West matches ahead of today's trip to last season's runners-up Exmouth (3pm).

Croker told the Daily Echo: "I don't think we could have had a much tougher start as a new team with three away trips against two relegated sides and now the team that contested last season's play-off.

"But we have been competitive, our defence has been good and we just need to turn the pressure we have created into points. We are excited to be playing another one of the better teams, it represents a good challenge and the boys can't wait to get stuck in."

Croker will be forced to ring the changes at the Imperial Recreation Ground with Duncan Soden (injured) and Rudi Kochanowski and Sam Hardcastle (unavailable) all out. Matt Warwick starts in the second row with Jack Hennings and Grant Hancox also set to play. Scott Chislett and Alex Sutherland return.

Lions have also re-signed Joe Tarrant. Croker added: "It is great to be able to add further depth to the front row, particularly with Alan Manning out injured."