Dunn backs mix of old and new to inspire Lions against Chinnor (From Bournemouth Echo)

Dunn backs mix of old and new to inspire Lions against Chinnor

7:00am Friday 14th September 2012 in Rugby By Ian Wadley

DAVID Dunn is confident the combination of old and new can inspire Lions to victory over familiar foes Chinnor.

The Bournemouth director of rugby is set to put his faith in two club favourites - plus a fresh face - in tomorrow's Chapel Gate showdown (2.30pm).

Ex-Lions captain and Bournemouth stalwart Dan Cawley is expected to get the nod in the pack following an impressive cameo at Worthing.

Dan Pollard, a hero and record points scorer in last season's promotion campaign, could also be in line for his first National Two South outing.

And the popular Lions duo are likely to be joined by recent recruit Charlie Grace following his switch from Championship outfit Plymouth Albion.

Dunn has backed the triumvirate to do the business if called upon against fierce rivals Chinnor.

He told the Daily Echo: “Dan Cawley is a great servant of the club and a really good player.

“He was in two minds as to whether to commit this season but he has got a taste for it.

“When he came into the game at Worthing, he played extremely well, and I'd put my money on him starting tomorrow.

“He is also a good guy to have around the changing room, especially when you are trying to bed in new players.

“Dan Pollard has been unavailable for the past two weekends but he is now back in the fold. He was outstanding last season and broke all the points-scoring records. We are expecting him to play a role.

“Charlie Grace has come in from Championship club Plymouth Albion. He has moved to the area.

“We are delighted to have him on board because he has got Championship experience and that will further strengthen us.”

Lions know all about Chinnor after the two clubs fought hard at the top of National Three South West last term.

Bournemouth won the title race but Dunn admitted he was happy that the Oxfordshire outfit had managed to follow his men into the fourth tier.

He added: “We had a tremendous rivalry last season because we were both fighting for top spot.

“I thought they deserved to go up and I sent an email to Jason Bowers, their head coach, to congratulate him.”

Lions: (from) Pollard, O'Brien, Connolly, Chislett, Dunkerley, Stevenson, Hardcastle, Featherstone, Wilford, Manning, Brooks, Forrest, Andrews, Cawley, Hart, Dunn, Peart, Seward, Grace, Trow.