BOURNEMOUTH host Chobham in their first home game of the season as they aim to bounce back after an opening defeat against Farnham.

The hosts fell to a ‘disappointing’ 30-20 defeat to the Surrey side but will be hoping to make the most of a strong home crowd at Chapel Gate.

Chobham, coached by Robbie Kennard, were beaten at home by Tottonians 43-17 last Saturday, with Bournemouth expecting a strong response from their visitors this weekend.

They have recently come across to the Regional Two South Central League after finishing mid-table of the Thames league last term.

This is Bournemouth’s only home game of the opening month of the season, facing three away trips and one home clash in their opening four, so will be targeting the game to make the most of home advantage.

The Lions have made some changes in their pack, with Luca Fioretto coming back from injury at tighthead prop, meaning that Conrad Carkeet can return to his favoured position of hooker.

Tom Napier has been brought in for Tom Gould, who drops into the second team, for his experience and ball carrying.

Euan Tremlett is unavailable in the back row, and Ollie Vincent has returned to university, so Alan Manning will start on the blindside and new recruit Matt Horne will start at number 8.

In the backs, Josh Sanchez starts at fly half in a largely unchained backline, with Louis Parker dropping off the bench after a head knock, Maverick Goodchild replacing him. Director of rugby, Will Croker, said: “The bench, we’ve wanted to bring some youth because we’ve got quite a lot of experience in the team but we also wanted to bring a little bit of youth and a little bit of energy.

“We’ve got Zak McLeod-Jones who is a very talented youth forward who has just been released from the Bath academy and is somebody we’re very excited about.

“The bench is completed by Louis Allun.”

Bournemouth’s second team travel to the Channel Islands as they face Guernsey with a lunchtime kick off.

Croker is hopeful that the second side can bounce back after a tough game against Havant seconds, with a strong side travelling to Guernsey. Bournemouth vs Chobham will kick off at 3pm on Saturday, September 14 at Chapel Gate.