Storm Darragh had left the Westleigh Park pitch very muddy and wet and so any chance of a fast flowing game, that both the Lions and Dings are renowned for, was out of the question.

The Lions started with a strong wind at their backs, and the when a kick to the corner from Theo Mannion resulted in another infringement, the Lions fly half despatched the penalty for an early lead (3-0).

Flying winger Toby Cousins, making his first appearance of the season on loan from Northampton Saints, then scored a converted try straight from the kick off. When the ball wasn't fielded, Charlie Davies kicked through and cousins outpaced the cover to score. Mannion converted (10-0).

Davies was then on hand again to assist another score on 25 minutes when his break from a scrum move lead to Mannion crossing out wide. This time he was unable to convert his score (15-0).

The visitors managed to get on the scoreboard five minutes before the half when hooker Gwilliam scored from an strong driving maul.

HT 15-5

Now playing against the strong breeze, it was the Lions' turn to power over the line from a driving maul, finished by Oliver Taylor. Mannion added the extras (22-5).

The visitors hit back though and back row Bilton scored from close range after concerted pressure on the lions line. The extras, added by Elswood, bought the Bristol side right back in to the contest. Elswood then added a penalty on the hour mark, to set up a tense last quarter (22-15).

It was now so muddy that it was difficult to distinguish the two sets of players. Dings were enjoying territory, due to the strong wind, but the Lions back three, led by full-back Joe Brock in particular, were doing a fine job of fielding and protecting the ball.

The visitors pressed for the score to draw the game but the Lions defence was resolute, and when Dings scrum half Tom Knight was yellow carded for a high tackle, it allowed the Lions to see out the contest relatively comfortably.

Head Coach Gareth Collins commented: ''It was certainly one for the purists. Perhaps the worst conditions I've seen here in 20 years. A bit of a shame really as it was a game between two really attack-minded sides who both like to throw the ball around, but that wasn't possible today. To be fair I thought both sides handled the conditions well but we were just a little more clinical when we had opportunities.''