Bournemouth Rugby lose to Bracknell 38-14

Lions were shorthanded by injuries and lack of availability before their task was made even harder by long delays on the A31, delaying kick-off by 30 minutes.

A shortened warm-up followed, explaining Lions’ slow start as Bracknell opened the scores early on, quickly scoring to tries to establish a healthy lead with the afters added on.

As the first half progressed, Bracknell’s attack did not relent, with a well-executed play widening the gap to 19-0.

The Lions exhibited a resurgence after debutant Connor Moore, with a more robust scrum and gaining ground towards Bracknell's territory.

This persistence paid off, resulting in a try by Adam Higgins, expertly converted by Grant Hancox, narrowing the scoreline to 19-7.

Nevertheless, Bracknell swiftly secured a bonus point with their fourth try, bringing the score to 26-7.

Before Lions could get into the break further unscathed, the hosts added another seven points.

However, the onslaught was halted in the second half, with Lions asking questions of their hosts.

As the match wore on, the Lions continued to battle, displaying commendable resilience. Anthony Fitch standing out with several line breaks.

A breakthrough came with support the Lions inched forward and eventually over the line earning a hard fought, converted by Hancox, narrowing the deficit to 33-14.

Yet, the Lions faced persistent challenges in maintaining possession from kick-offs and struggled with lineouts and scrums, hindering their momentum.

The match concluded with Bracknell securing a final try due to a lucky bounce of the ball, leaving the Lions on the wrong side of a 38-14 scoreline.

After playing only two matches, the Lions find themselves in 10th place in the league standings, but on the same amount of points as fifth-placed Camberley.

Lions: Napier, Allum, Turner, Stephens, Scott, Smith, Kimber, Vincent, Fitch, Costello, Taylor, Hancox, Wayman, Higgins, Hogan.

Subs: Harding, Smith, Duffield, Moore.