BOURNEMOUTH RFC got their Regional 1 South Central campaign off to a winning start in a high-scoring contest against Maidenhead.

Jordie Wayman, Joe Desmond, Louis Allum, Ryan Morrell and Nathan Duffield all crossed the whitewash as Lions claimed a thrilling 40-36 victory at Chapel Gate.

Maidenhead got off to a flying start, taking an early 7-0 lead.

But Bournemouth hit back through Wayman, before they had a let-off when Maidenhead hit the post from a penalty.

The visitors were reduced to 14 men after being penalised during a driving maul. Lions took full advantage, Desmond scoring under the posts to put his side in front.

Back came Maidenhead, levelling up at 14-14, before Bournemouth were dealt a blow with scrum-half Harry Warr picking up an injury.

Lions continued to attack with Allum scoring his first try for the club and Grant Hancox kicking over the extras.

Maidenhead reduced the arrears to 21-17 by half-time.

The lead was extended out to nine points after a scrappy start to the second half. The ball was moved quickly out wide for Morrell to score.

Having had a team warning following a previous high tackle, Henry Turner was sent to the bin after committing the same offence, which allowed the Maids to get back into it.

A try out wide followed by one under the posts, both converted, saw the visitors go 31-26 ahead.

Bournemouth improved from there and got back in front after debutant Duffield crossed, with Hancox converting from a difficult angle.

Maidenhead then saw yellow and Morrell grabbed his second try of the afternoon.

Adam Higgins was carded as the game reached its closing stages, the Maids cutting the gap to four points with just a few minutes to play.

Man-of-the-match Ben Meaden then came off injured, but Lions saw out the narrow victory.

Bournemouth go to Bracknell on Saturday.