HEAD coach Will Croker reckons reaffirming the basics has helped Bournemouth to banish their away-day blues.

During a patchy first half to the National Three South West campaign, Croker bemoaned his side's inability to see through victories on the road despite dominant performances.

But on the back of three straight wins, one on the turf of one of their nearest rivals in the standings Hornets, the Chapel Gate boss is bullish ahead of tomorrow's trip to Old Centralians (2pm).

Croker told the Daily Echo: "It was about acclimatisation for the squad. Many of the new lads were not used to the travelling and I think there was a bit of a mental block for some of the guys who have been at the club for a while.

"They got used to not winning away games so it has taken a bit of time to exorcise that ghost but we feel confident now.

"We are playing good rugby and our scrummage and lineout is making us more of a dominant force, meaning we are able to play our way and control where their players are wherever we play.

"If you don't dominate in those areas, it can descend into chaos so getting those areas grounded and solid has been important and we feel confident going away now."

Lions head to Gloucestershire fifth in the standings, 13 points off top spot and seven adrift of second place, the solitary play-off position.

On the prospect of a late promotion push, Croker added: "The two losses as the beginning of the year against Old Redcliffians and Exmouth put it a long way in the distance.

"Since then we have won three in a row and all we can do is concentrate on being as close to what we deem to be our best as possible, concentrate on each individual performance and see where we end up.

"There are still eight games to go and the top sides still have to play each other. It's not impossible but a tough ask from here."

Rudi Kochanowski is unavailable, Dave McDonald is out with a shoulder injury and Wyn Roberts remains sidelined.

Pat Fraser returns, while Sam Bailey and Ollie Yeats are drafted into the squad. Alex Sutherland makes his comeback with the seconds.