WILL Croker hopes the traditional qualities of fly-half Joe Gwyther will give Bournemouth an edge when they entertain Exmouth tomorrow (2pm).

Gwyther has been drafted in to take over the number-10 role from Scott Chislett, who shifts to 12, ahead of the visit of Lions’ National Three South West promotion rivals to Chapel Gate.

Croker told the Daily Echo: “We have brought Joe Gwyther in because we want to be a little bit more creative in attack. He is more of a traditional 10 whereas Scott is more of an inside-centre that plays at 10 and is very solid.

“Joe is happier to kick the ball and having played Exmouth at their place we know they like to defend quite tight, so we want to play in a slightly wider channel.

“Joe is well-suited to this game and he also deserves his chance as he has been banging on the door for a number of weeks now.

“He was on the replacements’ bench last week but the game was called off, and before that he had played in the seconds.

“He played a lot of first-team rugby towards the end of last season but came into this season with a number of niggling injuries and it’s taken a bit of time for him to be able to force his way back in.”

Ollie Yates is out with concussion but Joe Rees is back from a knee injury and Sam Bailey has been recalled.

The fit-again Alex Sutherland has to be content with a spot in the second team as Sammy Veneroso has been retained.

Croker added: “We are only nine points back from second place and if we beat Exmouth and Lydney in the next few weeks we will really be in amongst it.”

Lions: (from) Tarrant, Fraser, Firetto, Christopher, Moreton, Hennings, Allman, Hardcastle, Chislett, Roberts, Chandler, Hancox, Everett-Bolter, Veneroso, Hughes, Gwyther, Bailey, Rees.