BOURNEMOUTH coach David Dunn has strengthened their pack in a bid to lift the National League Three South West title.

Lions have lost Mike Pope and Rory Hearson to Exeter Chiefs and the Gloucester academy, respectively, from their squad which finished fifth last term.

But they have brought in the likes of Will Croker and Michael Notobartolo, both from Oakmeadians, and Mike Jones, from Tottonians.

And they also have influential scrum-half Sam Hardcastle back following a year spent on the sidelines through injury.

With Tim Collier, the six foot seven inch former Harlequins and Worcester forward joining the coaching staff and available to play as well, Dunn is confident Bournemouth can mount a serious challenge for top spot.

Lions kick-off their league campaign at Redingensians tomorrow (3pm).

Dunn said: “We’re going into the game on the back of the success of the Dorset & Wilts team at Twickenham in May when more than half were Bournemouth lads.

“They beat Leicestershire in the County Championship Shield final and are full of confidence in their own ability.

“The lads only had a one-month close season because the County Championship campaign went on for so long, so we haven’t had to do a lot of physical work, just technical work which we feel happy with.

“Add the fact Tim, who has more than 200 Premiership appearances under his belt and is very well respected by everyone here, is on board and we’re quietly confident.

“Tim has quickly gained the respect of the players as a coach, and with Jack Hennings, the former Oaks player, also having signed we have some powerful back row forwards, so that will strengthen us even more.

“It’s our third year at this level and we feel we have the hang of National League rugby now.

“We will be very strong up-front this season, with considerable strength in depth as well.”

• Oaks get their South West One East campaign up and running with a home clash against Bletchley with new coach Tom Drewett, the former director of rugby at Havant, in charge.

He has taken over from James Croker, who stepped down after guiding the Meyrick Park outfit to South West One survival last term.

• Swanage & Wareham entertain Maidenhead and promoted Wimborne visit Reading Abbey in the same division.