HEAD coach David Dunn believes Bournemouth’s start has proved they can cut it in National League Two South – but knows their credentials will face a stern test over the coming weeks.

Newly-promoted Lions sit eighth in the embryonic table after collecting 10 points from their first four games, including home victories over Canterbury and Chinnor.

Bournemouth picked up their first away bonus point after suffering a narrow 18-13 defeat at Redruth on Saturday where a stirring second-half revival almost saw them battle back for a first win on the road.

Their opening four fixtures have all been against teams currently above them in the league – with three of their next four against clubs occupying positions in the top six.

Lions host sixth-placed Hartpury College in three days and third-placed Shelford on October 13 before travelling to unbeaten leaders Henley on October 20. They also visit struggling Dings Crusaders on October 8.

“We have got to be happy with our start to the season,” said Dunn. “We have made the step up and have proved we can compete at this level. We have taken points from three of our first four games and that is important.

“We know our next four games are going to be difficult because we are playing some of the top teams in the league. But we are on target to hold our own.”

Bournemouth’s two wins – against Canterbury (32-17) and Chinnor (41-29) – both came on home soil at Chapel Gate , while they have tasted defeat at Redruth (18-13) and Worthing (45-14).

Dunn added: “I think the difference in results between home and away is a league-wide pattern. We will be doing a lot of travelling and that is something we will have to get used to. It is a far greater commitment than it was last season and the trend in the league is that home advantage counts massively.

“I suspect it has got quite a lot to do with the fact that teams are travelling long distances and squads tend to be stronger at home because clubs target their home fixtures (to win).

“We made several changes to go to Redruth and will probably be a lot stronger at home against Hartpury College on Saturday.”

Discussing the defeat in Cornwall, Dunn said: “We were delighted with our performance in a passionate and intimidating environment. I was very proud of the players.

“We scored a couple of tries and just lost out to a couple of kicks. But we came away with a losing bonus point which meant we secured our first target of 10 points from our first four games.”

Loose-head prop Ben Featherstone is an injury doubt ahead of the visit of Hartpury, while Frazer Wilford and Anthony Dunkerley both return to the squad.