HEAD coach Will Croker described as “death by a thousand cuts” Bournemouth’s 32-31 defeat by National League Three South West leaders Barnstaple.

The Lions surrendered the lead on no fewer than four occasions before Ashlee Crouch’s try five minutes from time settled in favour of the Chiefs an absorbing contest.

Bournemouth, one of only three teams to beat Barnstaple this season, arrived in Devon bidding to complete a memorable double after their 23-7 win at Chapel Gate in November.

Two tries from Wyn Roberts and an Alan Manning touchdown – coupled with two conversions from Grant Hancox – saw them reach the break leading 19-17.

And although Hancox added a try and a conversion and Luke Chandler went over in the second half, Crouch won the day for the hosts late on.

Croker was left to lament a combination of factors, including what he felt had been an ambivalent display of refereeing.

He told the Daily Echo: “To say it was frustrating would be an understatement of the highest order.

“It was a sensational game between two teams which went at it hammer and tong. Their players came off the pitch and said it was the most physical game they had been involved in this season.

“I don’t like blaming referees because, ultimately, we wouldn’t have a game without them. But there were too many critical decisions that influenced the final score. That’s the nature of rugby though.

“It was like death by a thousand cuts. It was penalty after penalty for seemingly innocuous things. We made mistakes as well and some of our decision-making and set-piece play wasn’t good enough. Also, we weren’t accurate enough at times.

“But some of our attacking play through the backs was sensational and, once we got into a groove, the forwards started to come up with some really big carries which got them going backwards.”

Croker, who has seen Bournemouth win just two of their past seven away games, added: “I always try to keep calm on the sidelines but had to remove myself to the stand for 10 minutes for fear of getting sent off for shouting abuse. That’s not me, I’m quite a nice bloke really. I just needed to calm down.

“One minute we felt we were gaining the ascendancy and the next we gave it back. Then, there was a strange decision, we played well for a bit and then did something stupid. It wasn’t good for the heart!

“Barnstaple is a tough place to go. They always have a big crowd, they are very vocal and passionate.

“They were shocked by the heart and character we showed to keep coming back. Every time they got their noses in front, we refused to buckle and you need to do that against the league leaders. Ultimately, we were disappointed to lose.”

Lions: Tarrant, Fraser, Guinta, Treloar, Christopher, Hennings, Manning, Rees, Hardcastle, Gwyther, Chislett, Hancox, Roberts, Chandler, Sutherland. Subs: Levey, McDonald, Veneroso.