BOURNEMOUTH fans were treated to a thrilling encounter as their side battled back to overcome London Welsh 42-37 at Chapel Gate.

Welsh started brightly in the Regional 1 South Central contest, scoring an early penalty, but Lions quickly pegged them back with Grant Hancox crossing the whitewash and converting himself.

But indiscipline allowed the visitors to get their noses in front again, Bournemouth receiving three yellow cards.

That saw the Dragons run in three tries of their own, pulling 27-10 ahead.

But Bournemouth rallied, with club captain Alan Manning leading from the front.

His try was added to by Joe Desmond, the number eight scoring from the back of a scrum, to cut the gap to 27-22 by half-time.

London Welsh flew out the traps after the restart with two quick tries, although neither were converted.

Lions roared back with Ash Taylor and Jordie Wayman both crossing the whitewash, before Hancox kicked over three more points.

As the clock ticked down, the tension in the stand grew.

Trailing 37-35 in the dying moments, Bournemouth pounced with one final attack.

After several phases of play, Sam Elrick showed his strength and speed to break through the Dragons defence and offload to Hancox to score the winning try.

Lions sit seventh in the table and go to Royal Wootton Bassett on Saturday.