MATCH REPORT: Lions lose again but they push the league leaders all the way

They were away to runaway Midlands Premiership leaders Bimringham and they gave a much improved display in a 22-17 reverse.

Last Saturday the Lions didn’t really fire at home to Sandbach and suffered a disappointing 19-17 loss.

Today they couldn’t be criticised. They gave their all and made a quality side fight every inch of the way for their victory.

“It was 100 per cent better than last week,” said chairman Andy Moore. “You couldn’t fault our boys. They couldn’t have done much more.

“We gave as good as we got against a side who are racing certainties to go up to National League Two.

“They scored at crucial moments - just before half-time and again just after half-time - and that really was the only difference between the two sides.

“Not many teams will take a losing bonus point off Birmingham this season so the lads deserve a pat on the back.”

Birmingham scored the first of their three tries early. It was unconverted so when Kaz Henderson crossed shortly after for the Lions and Nico Defeo added the conversion the Lions were 7-5 in front.

But the home side edged ahead with their second touchdown, this time converted, just before the interval to lead 12-7 at the turnaround.

They added another try soon after the restart against the run of play to increase their advantage to 19-7 and that was a killer blow.

There was then an exchange of penalties - Defeo kicking one for the Lions - and on the final whistle the Lions earned their bonus point when Henderson nipped over for his second try. Defeo again added the extras.

The Lions welcomed Tom Gullands back into the fold today after spending a year in New Zealand and he played well on his return.

On a more disappointing note, Wes Cope (shoulder) and Tom Lewis (back) both went off injured in the first half.

The Lions stay third in the table.