Wimborne host Bournemouth in Regional Two South Central

It will be fifth hosts third when the sides line up on Saturday on a day where the top six in the league face each other – meaning the table could have a very different complexion come Saturday evening.

The hosts come into the game off the back of an away win at Chobham, after they were beaten at home by Farnham, while Bournemouth are unbeaten in their past six games.

The two sides have not faced each other in the league for a number of years and with players from both sides lining up against their former club, it promises to be an exciting meeting.

Previewing the game, Bournemouth director of rugby, Will Croker, said his side are aiming to steer clear of some of the noise that comes with a local clash such as this.

(Image: Simon Carlton) “Whilst it's a big game from an emotional perspective for some of the boys who've played against Wimborne for a lot of years, for a lot of our team, it's not something that really registers that much,” he said.

“They're not local lads and they've moved to the area for work. So this isn't a match that's going to define our season.

“It's a match that is another step on this project that we started just six months ago and which we're pleased with its progress. We've got some big games coming up after this one.

“Chobham away and Tottonians at home, two really big games against two very good sides and we've got to focus on just taking it one match at a time, to use the cliche.”

The Lions are likely to be without their four first choice scrum halves, while Ben Goodall is out with a toe injury so will be replaced by Euan Tremlett.

Ben Kimber drops to the bench with a neck issue, with Joe Rees returning in what Croker says is a back row with heavy ball carriers to deal with Wimborne’s physicality.

(Image: Simon Carlton) There will also be a debut for trainee doctor Josh Hayden in the backs.

Croker said: “We've got to try to just detach some of the emotion and focus on what we've been doing really well.

“We've been moving the ball well into the wider channels, we've been scrummaging and mauling incredibly well and if we can bring those core basics to it, then it should be a cracking game.”

Bournemouth’s second team are set to face Basingstoke after their match was postponed last weekend.

First teamers Ben Salisbury and Dave Scupham will feature for the second side as they make their way back from injury.