LIONS chief David Dunn has issued a plea to the people of Bournemouth: Come and witness history.
Dunn, inset, has called on the public to back his team as they bid to complete the final stage of their quest for promotion.
The Bournemouth director of rugby’s rallying cry came after Lions moved to within touching distance of a place in English rugby’s fourth tier – without even donning their boots and gum shields.
As Dunn’s men enjoyed their Easter break, they received a major helping hand when National Three South West championship rivals Chinnor failed to win their game in hand at high-flying hopefuls Redingensians.
The Oxfordshire outfit could only claim a 22-22 draw from Saturday’s showdown – leaving the second and third-placed teams six and eight points adrift of Bournemouth, respectively, with two games remaining.
The outcome means the Dorset club can book a spot in next season’s National Two South division with a bonus-point win over Weston-super-Mare on Saturday.
Dunn is hoping the Chapel Gate clash – Bournemouth’s final home game – can attract a crowd similar to the 1,200 which witnessed Lions’ thrilling win over Chinnor last month.
He told the Daily Echo: “A number of people from Bournemouth went to the game on Saturday and I was getting regular reports and updates. I couldn’t believe our luck.
“It means we are six points clear and a bonus-point victory on Saturday, on home ground, would secure the title.
“Our destiny is in our own hands and we have an opportunity to finish the job in front of our own crowd. I really hope the crowd will get behind us.
“The players said the support really lifted them against Chinnor and we are hoping the town will get behind us.
“If we can play the way we know we can and finish the job, it will be a fantastic party atmosphere at the ground.
“It is a chance to see history.”
Bournemouth’s rugby stars are aiming to reach the highest level in the club’s history – with National Two South equivalent to League Two in football.
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