DORSET & Wilts head coach Don Parsons admits Bournemouth have been pivotal to their unrivalled success and is hoping the Lions contingent can sign off in style.

Twin Counties will be looking to book a third successive date at Twickenham when they meet Leicestershire in the semi-final of the County Championship Shield.

No fewer than 12 Bournemouth players have been named in Dorset & Wilts’ 27-strong squad for the clash at Vipers Rugby Club’s headquarters in Blaby tomorrow (3pm).

And while Twin Counties will be bidding to complete a hat-trick of wins in the competition, Lions players will be eligible for the final time due to Bournemouth’s recent promotion.

Counties are only permitted to select players from clubs at level five and below for the Shield, with Bournemouth set to compete in National League Two next season, which is level four.

Parsons worked under Bournemouth director of rugby David Dunn in the county set up and was forwards coach for Dorset & Wilts until he was promoted to the top job.

He told the Daily Echo: “The inclusion of the Bournemouth lads over the past two to three years has been fundamental to our success. David Dunn could have been precious about the special group he has at Bournemouth but has remained very supportive.

“As players, they are proven, tried and tested. It is great to have them involved because they are good lads as well. They won’t be available next season because they are stepping up to level four and, to lose them, will undoubtedly have an impact.

“It hasn’t all been about the Bournemouth group and is very much a team effort. We have tried a bit of succession but have also been mindful of the fact we want to win the Shield for a third year in a row. We have kept the quality and more experienced players but have also blooded a number of youngsters.”

Dorset & Wilts, who toppled Leicestershire 36-26 in the 2010 final, set up a rematch by seeing off Berkshire in their final pool game. Their convincing 67-22 victory saw them progress courtesy of a superior points difference.

Parsons added: “Oxfordshire beat us in the first pool game and deserved their win. We had a 21-point margin to make up to qualify and that became 28 after we had conceded an early try against Berkshire. But we got into the groove and came together as a team.”

Leicestershire, described by Parsons as “formidable opponents”, hammered East Midlands 78-14 to top their pool. The second semi-final sees Cumbria entertain Surrey with the final taking place at Twickenham a week on Sunday (4.30pm).

Dorset & Wilts: Frazer Wilford, Richard Carrel, Chris Hughes, Jack Hennings, Tony Dunkerley, Sam Hardcastle, Robbie Searle, Scott Chislett, Ben Stewart, Karim Lynch, Callum Forrest, Joe Tarrant (Bournemouth), Alan Low, Adam Westall, Charlie Vine, Tim Berry, Connal Knot (Swindon), Dan Hobbs, Gareth Blackborow, Tom Pottage (Salisbury), Rhys Jones, Charlie Elton (Corsham), Liam Gilbert (Chinnor), Simon Lilly (Sherborne), Alex Bradley (Bishops Wordsworth School), Bobby Lyons (Chippenham), John Warren (Dorchester).