Lions work hard but fall short of a bonus point

LEICESTER Lions head coach Gareth Collins was disappointed his side were unable to pick up a bonus point in their win over Barnes.

Despite finishing up on the wrong end of a 21-9 score line, Barnes put up a stern defence and frustrated the Lions at times through the game.

And Collins said: “We were pleased with win as Barnes gave us a good game and made it a testing time for us.

“We were sorry not to achieve the bonus point for the fourth try, but Barnes made it a hard-earned victory for us.”

Lions had the best part of 25 minutes pressure on the Barnes line, before their lock, Ed Sumpter, drove over for a try, converted by Ben Young, to open the scoring.

Following the restart Barnes came back into the game putting Lions on the defensive.

Careless and desperate play by Lions conceded two penalties, both scored by Barnes' Josh Hammett.

In the second half, Lions opened up proceedings with some adventurous play, reasserting pressure on Barnes.

They advanced up the pitch with a combination of forwards and backs play, with Sumpter finding a gap in the defence and running through for his second try, with Young again adding the extras.

Barnes stayed in the game with Hammett adding his third penalty, closing the gap to 14-9.

In the last 15 minutes Leicester’s open play took the ball up the pitch with some smart interchanging to send their winger, Devon Constant, powering away for a third try, with Young adding the extras.