BOURNEMOUTH wiped out a nine-point deficit as they claimed a 22-21 win over National Three South West strugglers Weston-super-Mare.

Lions had been cut adrift at the start of the second period at Chapel Gate but a late converted try assured Crispin Cormack’s men of victory and saw them jump two places to ninth in the table.

Martin Chisholm kicked Weston in front in the opening moments but Lions got on the scoreboard in the 11th minute.

The hosts secured possession at a line-out and after Sam Hardcastle darted forward, eventually the ball went to the fit-again Wyn Roberts, who crossed under the posts. Jon Sanchez added the extras.

Although Weston hooker Mike Hocking was sin-binned, Bournemouth could not capitalise and in fact fell behind once more when right-wing Ethan Maloney went over in the corner. Chisholm added an excellent conversion.

The game swung back in the hosts’ favour in the 34th minute when they turned the ball over and Roberts charged in from the 22-metre line.

However, Weston took a 13-12 lead into half-time when Jack Hennings was binned and Chisholm slotted a penalty between the uprights.

Matters worsened for Bournemouth after the restart when a further Weston try and an additional penalty from Chisholm opened the away lead to 21-12.

Lions’ replacement lock Tom Collier was yellow-carded but Lewis Dennett then kicked a penalty to give Bournemouth hope.

And the 14-man hosts once more went in front when a Grant Hancox break paved the way for Hennings to barge his way over.

Youngster Dennett sent the conversion between the posts and Bournemouth held on for victory.

Lions have no game this coming Saturday and are next in action at home to Brixham on Saturday, January 31.

Lions: Gwyther, Sutherland, Hancox, Chislett, Roberts, Sanchez, Hardcastle, Terry, Manning, Firetto, Hennings, Warwick, Smith, Morris-Mean, Rees. Replacements: Collier, Dennett.