BOURNEMOUTH boss Will Croker believes his side’s try-of-the-month accolade provides them with an extra motivational tool.

Lions winger Dan Stewart’s score received high praise from former England captain Chris Robshaw, who selected the touchdown as the stand-out from a number of online entries.

Stewart crossed to cap off a free-flowing move against Weston-super-Mare, as Lions went on to record a 30-27 home triumph last month.

Shared on England Rugby’s official Facebook page, the try has been viewed almost 60,000 times with hundreds of likes and shares.

With the club’s quest for promotion from South West Premier set to go down to the wire, director of rugby Croker is hopeful national recognition can deliver an added boost.

He told the Daily Echo: “We have talked about coming together as a squad and, from a squad perspective, that try was very much a team try.

“I can stick that up on the big screen before training and remind them that when we talk about our performance, this is what we are capable of and why we get recognition from the RFU.

“In the grand scheme of things, in terms of the league campaign, it doesn’t help a jot. But it was a really good try, Dan took it very well and it was nice for him to get that recognition.

“It shows where we need to be getting back to as we approach the crunch end of the season.”

Analysing the score, Robshaw said Sam Hardcastle’s quick tap-and-go to reminded him of England scrum-half Danny Care.

He also went on to praise the “great link play” produced by the Chapel Gate outfit and likened Stewart’s finish to that of Jonny May.

But the club’s head coach insisted they would be taking those comparisons with a pinch of salt.

“It always makes everybody laugh when the likes of Sam Hardcastle get compared to Danny Care and there is always a lot of banter which flies around off the back of it,” he added.

“It’s a light-hearted thing which actually gives people a moment to be proud of.

“It’s something Dan will always be able to look back on. That’s a nice thing and when we get to the end of the season, it’s something nobody else can take away from him.

“He has had a great season for us, he’s scored a lot of tries and done a fantastic job.”

Stewart’s score is the second occasion Bournemouth have earned the try-of-the-month crown under Croker, with Robbie Boyd scooping the honours last season.

“What’s quite interesting is Robbie Boyd always refers to himself as a fat Dan Stewart – they actually do look quite similar!

“Robbie was the first person to pass on his congratulations to Dan. In his words it was just another opportunity for Dan to try to be like him!”

Without a fixture on Saturday, Lions host Ivybridge in their next league clash on Saturday, March 3.