BOURNEMOUTH remain rooted to the bottom of National Two South despite a narrow 28-26 home defeat to Old Albanian at Chapel Gate.

The loss was the Dorset club’s 16th in the division from 18 games this season.

Despite two successful early penalties from the boot of kicker Grant Hancox, Bournemouth fell behind 14-6 at the interval.

Old Albanian lock Chris Napier touched down a converted score following a relentless drive from the visiting forwards.

Disaster then struck for the hosts when, from a scrum on the half-way line, a pass went astray, allowing full-back Joe Butler the chance to capitalise and score under the posts.

Despite some stubborn Bournemouth defence early in the second half, it was the Hertfordshire side who increased their advantage when substitute Nick Stevens went over. Morgan Thompson converted to put the visitors 21-6 ahead.

Back rallied Bournemouth in the final quarter of the game. Hancox sent over his third successful penalty of the afternoon before substitute Luca Firetto was driven over for a converted score.

The visitors then hindered any Lions momentum when Stevens touched down his second of the contest to help extend to 12 points their advantage.

Bournemouth did not give up however and another surge of points saw them come close to a dramatic turnaround.

Hancox once again did the job with the boot with a successful penalty. Alan Manning then recorded his fourth try of the campaign.

But it proved too little to late for Lions, as they were left to ponder a two-point reverse and settle for a losing bonus point.