MAN-OF-THE-MATCH Mike Pope says Bournemouth have weathered the winter storm and the South West Premier finish line is now in sight.
Since the Christmas break, the table toppers have been in inspired form after winning seven in a row in 2019 so far.
After helping his side to a 33-18 bonus-point win at the place he went to University - Exeter - with a man-of-the-match performance, Pope said the bus journey back was a happy one.
Pope said: “It definitely helped the bus journey home going back with another bonus-point win, because after the Christmas break we had three really close games.
“Then it felt like we were kind of on the right track against Drybrook so to then come here to Exeter University and put in a good performance against these boys - who ran second placed Barnstaple quite close last week - is pleasing.
“So hopefully it is onwards and upwards for us now with the ground starting to firm up a bit as well which suits us.”
At the end of January and beginning of February, Bournemouth only just edged past Brixham away 20-18, Camborne 27-26 at home and 33-31 at Cleve.
But the weekend after that, the Chapel Gate men then put Drybrook to the sword 34-10 at home, and have not looked back since.
With just five games left, Pope said his side’s 14th bonus-point win out of 21 matches so far at Exeter could provide the spark to finish the season well.
Pope added: “It was a bit strange coming back to Exeter University for me because I have never actually played here against Exeter University before.
“It was a bit weird but I think it might have helped me a little bit because it is nice to showcase what you can do and Exeter University was a huge part of my development anyway, so it was nice to actually come here and play.
“I think it helped being familiar surroundings for me - but I think I forgot actually how windy it gets down here to be honest because the ground is quite open.
“But it was good and it was nice to be on a bit of a firm track really because it has been a bit wet and muddy when we’ve played recently.”