BOURNEMOUTH performance director Richard Sharp said his side delivered the “uncoachables” after they were beaten 33-26 in the dying moments against Dings Crusaders at Chapel Gate, writes Adam Hunter.

Trailing by 20 points, Lions battled back only to fall just short after a last-gasp Dings try.

Speaking after the loss, Sharp said: “It was amazing to see the boys deliver ‘uncoachables’ – heart, desire and drive to win together. It was a terrific game played in the traditional spirit.”

Grant Hancox, playing out of position at scrum-half, kicked two penalties in a tense first 30 minutes in which the home team controlled possession and territory. But Alex Bilton’s try for Dings after 28 minutes saw the game catch fire. Just before half-time hometown flanker Ben Roberts was sent to the sinbin for a high tackle, and the resulting penalty try put his team 12-6 down at the break.

It was the same story for Bournemouth immediately after half-time as their concentration lapsed and Dings pounced with two tries in quick succession.

At 26-6 down after 50 minutes, Lions might have crumbled. But Hancox led the fightback with a try on 54 minutes, adding the extras in an impeccable kicking display.

Centre Freddie Gleadowe added a second minutes later that again Hancox converted to bring his team within six points.

Dominance in the scrum led to a penalty for the home side with seven minutes left that Hancox duly dispatched.

Three minutes from time Dings substitute George Curry was sent to the sinbin and Hancox delivered from the tee to draw the scores level.

Lions looked for victory with the wind in their sails and the animated crowd willing them on.

However, as the ball spilled out of the scrum on the half-way line, Dings scrum-half Thomas Knight seized his chance, beating the tired defenders for pace and scoring the winner under the posts.

Substitute Steven Plummer added the conversion for 33-26 and victory for his side.

Sharp, who was visibly proud of his team, added: “We got exactly what we wanted: hunger, desire and passion. It was a very mature performance. It was great to give the home crowd something to get excited about.”