BOURNEMOUTH could not capitalise on late pressure against Hornets as they were subjected to a third loss in four league outings.

Trailing 22-20 in the final quarter at Chapel Gate, Lions threw everything at the National Three South West high-flyers but could not find a vital score.

A last-minute try by the visitors ensured that Crispin Cormack’s men were condemned to a 27-20 defeat, although they still picked up a losing bonus point.

Bournemouth remain ninth in the standings but are seven points adrift of eighth-placed Oxford Harlequins.

Hornets were in front within three minutes when centre Adam Francis found a gap on the right and charged through for an unconverted try.

Jon Sanchez directed a penalty the wrong side of the near post in reply but it was not long before Lions secured a score of their own.

The hosts retained the ball through a passage of broken play and eventually full-back Grant Hancox weaved through from outside the 22, with Sanchez adding the extras.

Bournemouth extended to seven points their advantage in the 16th minute when a penetrating attacking foray resulted in Sutherland diving over.

Both sides were showing considerable enterprise and just before the half hour, Hornets closed the gap when they worked the ball left and squeezed over in the corner.

And in the build-up to the break Bournemouth lost the ball on their line-out and after Hornets’ Conor Littlewood had made a useful dart, Charlie Carter touched down.

Three points down, Lions missed the chance to draw level at the start of the second period as Sanchez was off target with a penalty.

However, a sustained spell of pressure resulted in Hancox crossing the whitewash for his second try of the game.

But the lead lasted all of two minutes.

Hesitancy at the restart allowed Hornets to regain possession and the visitors went over in the corner, with Carter kicking the subsequent goal to make it 22-17.

An excellent penalty from Sanchez soon reduced the advantage to two points and that was how it stayed until the final minute.

With Lions desperately looking for the winning score, possession was lost and Hornets broke away to score an unconverted try in the corner.

Bournemouth are without a league game this weekend and are next in action away to fifth-placed Newton Abbot on Saturday, November 15.

Lions: Hancox, Sutherland, Roberts, Chislett, Connolly, Sanchez, Hardcastle, Firetto, Richardson, Manning, Collier, Warwick, Hennings, Dunkerley, Rees. Replacements: Ashburner, Dennett, Terry.