BOURNEMOUTH scrum-half Sam Hardcastle made light of a flu bug to run in a hat-trick of tries as they beat Reading 41-10 away.

He touched down either side of the break before his third late in the game sealed Lions' second league double of the season.

It was the first hat-trick from a Bournemouth player in South West Division One this term and it helped lift them two places up to eighth in the table.

Coach David Dunn, who also saw Joe Frost, Tim Gray and Chris Hughes touch down, said: "It was an excellent performance from Sam.

"He was feeling a bit under the weather before the game and we were a bit concerned for his health in all honesty.

"But he really did front up and took his chances really well."

Lions, who had toppled Reading 31-17 at home on November 3, were expecting a tougher battle this time around as both sides aimed to climb away from the basement area.

And Dunn's side, who also saw James Flynn slot over four conversions and one penalty, got it..

The coach said: "Reading were full of confidence because they had boosted their side over Christmas by bringing loan players in.

"It was a magnificent display. We were under a lot of pressure for the first 25 minutes but defended in a really determined manner.

"Reading only had one dropped goal to show for that pressure, then we had two chances to score before half-time and took them both brilliantly.

"We scored one straight after half-time and were 20-3 in front. Reading got back into it but by that time our self-belief was such that we just ran them ragged.

"Reading ran out of steam and we built the points up.

"It was a huge win and our forwards played extremely well, scrummaging brilliantly against a side much bigger and stronger than themselves."

Bournemouth have won six of their last seven league and cup games, and Dunn admitted: "The players believe they can play at this level.

"We are not under-estimating what lies ahead of us but this victory is a great start for us to the New Year."

Second row Tim Seward made his 100th league appearance for the Lions, and Dunn said: "Tim is club captain and he is a tremendous servant to the club.

"He always gives 110 per cent and we are delighted he has reached this milestone."

Bournemouth: Davies, Frost (Bruce, 44), Gray, Payne, Flynn, Chislett, Hardcastle, Siaki (Burns, 60), Ulu, Manning, Kenny (Ramsay, 60), Seward, Hughes, Cawley, Kiely.