DAVE Bates scored a debut try but Bournemouth suffered a 21-16 loss in their National Three South West opener against new boys Salisbury.

Bates was among five Lions debutants, the others being Alistair Bennett, David Budd, Adam Davies and Toby Kenneally.

Salisbury scored a converted try after just three minutes and a Tom Lane penalty increased the hosts' lead.

Three points from the boot of Grant Hancox reduced the advantage but Lane responded with two further penalties to make it 16-3 with less than half an hour played.

The Wiltshire side soon ran the ball wide and went over in the corner and a Hancox penalty saw Lions 21-6 down at the break.

After the restart, Hancox struck again and Dave Bates then barged over the whitewash, with Hancox converting.

However, at just five points adrift, Lions were unable to reduce the advantage further.

The visitors' best chance came when Alex Everett-Bolter was unable to gather a pass from Alan Manning and the opportunity went begging.

Croker's troops are next in action on Saturday when they travel to Bracknell.

Lions: Sutherland, Everett-Bolter, Hancox, Chislett, Roberts, Davies, Hardcastle, Spikings, Budd, Firetto, Kenneally, Bates, Hennings, Bennett, Manning. Replacements: Bruce, Soden, Tarrant.