DAVID Dunn was relieved to return from Hartpury College with a vital bonus point after his players had “let themselves down” during a horrendous first half in Gloucestershire.

Lions were battered by the hosts before the break and trailed 57-3 shortly after half-time, but Dunn’s men battled back to score five tries, securing a league point that kept them ahead of relegation rivals Lydney.

Bournemouth got over the line through Dan Connolly, debutant Thomas Vaughan-Edwards and Dan Pollard before Anthony Fitch’s effort snaffled the crucial fourth try three minutes from time. Alan Manning scored a fifth try late on in the 57-32 loss.

Dunn conceded that his side had been second-best during the opening 40 minutes but praised his players for their fightback.

The Lions boss told the Daily Echo: “They were just too good for us at times.

“We got the lads in and told them we were playing for pride. There was a sombre mood in the dressing room because the players knew they had let themselves down.

“If it had carried on in the same way we could have conceded 100 points but we were amazed with the response and they deserve a lot of credit for scoring five tries without reply. It could end up being a vital point for us.”

Wins for fellow strugglers Southend and Taunton left Lions just five points off the bottom two. Two teams will be relegated this season.

The National Clubs Association had warned that existing rules could see the third bottom team in the southern division relegated, but this was overturned at a meeting on Friday.

Dunn added: “We are pleased with the decision. It was the only logical conclusion.”

Lions: Pollard, Robinson (Hardcastle, 45), Chislett, Hart, Connolly, Drake, Veneroso, Burns (Carrel, 51), Manning, Firetto (Fitch, 57), Seward (Collier, h-t), Forrest, Wilford, Bovett (Vaughan-Edwards, h-t), Booth.