With 5 minutes to go, and only 3 points separating the sides, this contest could have gone either way but the Rams sent themselves to the top of the league with two late scores that earned them a bonus point victory and frustratingly, after a strong performance, the Lions were left empty-handed.

Any doubts that the Lions wouldn't pick themselves up following last weeks' disappointing result at Sedgley were put to rest when Arthur Allen broke the line from the Lions' first attack and the hooker powered over the covering defender to score from 40 metres out. Luke Bouchier converting (7-0).

The Lions continued their electric start and extended their lead on 10 minutes when Toby Cousins found some space after some good handling in the backs. (12-0)

The visitors were soon back in to the contest though when, after a penalty for holding on, they kicked to the corner and hooker Spandler scored from a driving maul. Honey added the extras (12-7).

The scores were then levelled on 30 minutes when winger Clow made use of some space on the blindside to finish neatly out wide. (12-12)

HT 12-12

Rams started the second half strongly and were camped in the Lions 22 for a while before Vooght eventually crossed from a pick and go to give the visitors the lead for the first time in the game. Honey converting again (12-19).

The game was evenly balanced until the 65th minute when Simon Johnson was sent to the sin bin for backchat having been adjudged to have not released (when he appeared to be nowhere near the initial tackle). Honey dispatched the penalty kick from 40 out to extend their lead to 10 points (12-22).

Despite being a man down the Lions reduced the deficit when Liam Burrows, not long off the bench, crashed over from close range. Bouchier converting to make it a 3 point game with about 7 minutes to go (19-22).

The league leaders responded clinically though and some good hands sent replacement back Rhoads clear to run in unopposed. Honey converting (19-29).

With only two minutes on the clock the Lions pushed for a bonus point score but a long Bouchier pass deep in Rams territory was picked off by scrum half Murray who ran the length to score a converted try under the posts to seal victory for the league leaders (19-36).

Head coach Gareth Collins commented ''I'm really proud of the way we applied ourselves. Rams are the best side in the league and we've had them on the ropes today. Last week was a real low point for us so to bounce back like we did was really pleasing but ultimately we need results so it's desperately disappointing to have played well but get nothing for it. ''