BOURNEMOUTH battled back to grab a 17-17 draw with Old Redcliffians in a top-turvy encounter at Chapel Gate.

Lions led the National Three South West clash 10-0 at the break but required a late try from Wyn Robets and the subsequent conversion from Jon Sanchez to earn a share of the spoils.

Bournemouth drew first blood when Lewis Dennett found touch for a five-metre line-out and Cyprus international George Antoniades was driven over.

Dennett missed the conversion but it was not long before the hosts added to their tally. Scrum-half Sam Hardcastle was kept out but moments later the ball was kicked into the dead-ball area and lock Matt Warwick charged in to score his first try for Bournemouth.

Referee Harrison Tait later penalised the hosts for not rolling away but Ashley Groves thumped his kick against the post and in the ensuing passage of play, the Redcliffians wing lost the ball as he crossed over.

Following the resumption, the away side reduced the advantage to three points. From a Lions 22m drop-out, they attacked to the left and outside-centre Henry Goldson broke through the score left of the posts. Groves added the extras.

Redcliffians had their tails up and a Groves kick found touch on the five-metre line, from which the Bristol side secured possession and forced their way across the whitewash.

Groves slotted the conversion between the uprights and the same man then found the mark with a penalty.

Seven points down, Bournemouth upped the tempo and captain Alan Manning led a charge from midfield that took the hosts deep into enemy territory.

Roberts was on hand to dive under the posts and replacement Sanchez levelled matters with a simple kick.

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