BOURNEMOUTH head coach Will Croker admitted celebrations went on for a number of weeks after his side sealed the South West Premier title.

Unbeaten at home all campaign, Lions stormed to championship glory by 27 points ahead of second-placed Barnstaple.

Asked about his side’s title-winning parties, Croker told the Daily Echo: “The celebrations seemed to go on for a long time!

“We had the celebration when we got promoted. Then we already had it booked in as a team social that we were going to stay away once we had played Ivybridge – so we had a team night away in Torquay.

“Then we had the celebration for it being our last away trip and then there was a celebration for the last home game!

“The wives and girlfriends of the players had been particularly understanding to put up with weeks and weeks of us celebrating.

“But these seasons come around so rarely, the boys are entitled to enjoy it and celebrate.

“I think it’s important that everyone has been able to enjoy it and take stock, the boys have acquitted themselves really well.”

Bournemouth are set to play in National Two South next season, the fourth tier of English rugby.