By Adam Hunter

Bournemouth Director of Rugby, Will Croker, says his side will be buoyed this weekend by the return of “talismanic” Joe Rees at number eight.

Lions welcome Worthing Raiders to Chapel Gate on Saturday for their first home match back in National Two South, and the south coast side will be looking to continue their dominance on home turf.

The last time the club tasted defeat at home was nearly two years ago against Dings in October 2017.

“We’re proud of that record,” added Croker. And the Bournemouth man recognises the contribution of everyone at the club to the team’s success.

“The Whole club has come together and made the home game experience something quite special. There’s a lunch before the game, and it is great to get so many youth and mini players coming to support,” he said.

The support will be vital as the Lions get their first chance to test themselves at home this campaign. Raiders beat Old Reds in a tough physical encounter on opening day, and the former National One side are looking to improve on last season’s mid-table finish this time out.

“We are really looking forward to this encounter,” Croker says.

“Worthing are a good team, and they’re going to be hungry to add to last week’s success.”

For Bournemouth, the excitement surrounding the return of Rees is tempered by injury concerns throughout the side. The club captain will replace highly rated youngster Ben Roberts - a try-scorer against Taunton - and centre Scott Chislet will have a late fitness test. There is also concern over another of last week’s try-scorers, Freddie Gleadowe, who received the all clear after an x-ray on a suspected broken thumb. Croker is hopeful that the centre will be fit and firing on Saturday.

“Already this league is showing the attrition that we are going to have to get used to and absorb,” Croker adds.

“But we can’t worry about the external factors. We’ve got a job to do.

“We’re putting out a really strong squad: a squad that are hungry to set the record straight and a squad that want to get points on the board, both in the game and also on the league table.

The atmosphere at Chapel Gate on Saturday promises to be vibrant and intimidating for the visitors. On the field, the team aim to deliver a performance to match.

Croker concludes, “We’ve had a good week’s training and we’re quietly confident. I’m thoroughly looking forward to watching the boys run out at ho