LIONS chief David Dunn has banned all talk of a possible relegation battle as Bournemouth focus on achieving mid-table security.

The Chapel Gate outfit will bid to get their National Two South campaign back on track when they make the trek to Shelford tomorrow (2.30pm).

Newcomers to the fourth tier, Lions have had a mixed season so far and sit in 11th position after recording six victories in 16 matches.

Dunn is predicting as many as three teams could face the drop – despite Rugby Lions being kicked out of the league before a game had been played.

Although Barking and Southend appear destined for the bottom two places, Taunton and Lydney are both within reach of Lions.

But director of rugby Dunn is confident his men can prosper during the run-in.

He told the Daily Echo: “We have got a difficult four games ahead of us and we have got to pick up whatever we can.

“After that, we could win all of our last eight games. It all hinges on keeping the squad together, playing well and finding form.

“We are not mentioning anything to do with getting dragged into a relegation battle. We are just concentrating on each game.”

Cambridge outfit Shelford were 24-10 victors when the two teams met at Chapel Gate on October 13.

Dunn added: “It is a long way to go and we want to make sure we can come away with something.”

Richard Carrel misses out through injury so Andy Spikings is set to start at loose-head prop for Lions.

Fit-again Luke Andrews is in contention for a return to the back row but new signing Jaryd Robinson will not make his debut.

Lions: (from) Spikings, Wilford, Manning, Firetto, Burns, Forrest, Seward, Collier, Andrews, Grace, Booth, Hardcastle, Stevenson, Drake, Edwards, Stewart, Pearce, Chislett, Connolly, Pollard.

  •  Dorset & Wilts kings Wimborne visit Wallingford to contest the final of the Southern Counties Intermediate Cup tomorrow (2pm).

The Minstermen have been in fine form this season and claimed an impressive win over Southern Counties South leaders Sherborne last time out.

  •  Struggling Swanage & Wareham are in desperate need of a victory in their bid to avoid relegation in South West One East. Their battle to dodge the drop continues with a trip to sixth-placed Salisbury.
  •  In London Three South West, promotion hopefuls Ellingham & Ringwood entertain fellow high-fliers Purley John Fisher.