The Lions were outgunned by a strong Blackheath side who moved themselves up to 2nd in National One with their emphatic victory.

Blackheath struck after just 8 minutes when their electric scrum half Jordan Burns made a break from half way and Raff Hollister was in support to finish. Matt Dalrymple added the extras (7-0).

Three maul tries from the home side, all finished by hooker Billy Harding, gave them a commanding lead inside 30 minutes. Dalrymple converted two of his three attempts (26-0).

The Lions finally got on the board just before half-time when some excellent handling released Jake Sterland to score out wide.

HT 26-5

The Lions were soon on the attack again after the interval and Monty Loggenberg crashed over after multiple phases in the Blackheath 22. Theo Mannion added the extras to reduce the arrears to 14 points (26-12).

With the game now very evenly balanced, the crucial score came on 58 minutes when Jake Hennessey crossed in the corner for Blackheath. The winger then went over again just 5 minutes later to seal victory for the home side. Dalrymple added one of the conversions (38-12).

The Lions continued to show the determination that they have showed all season though and Loggenberg grabbed his second score when he collected an offload from a powerful Bronson Mellowes carry. Mannion converting (38-19).

The Lions attempted to attack from deep, in pursuit of the bonus point try, but both attempts resulted in turnovers and scores for the home side, firstly for Archie Holland who bundled over after a quick tap, and then Luke Pollock who crashed through a tiring Lions midfield defence off a first phase. Dalrymple added both conversions.

FT 52-19

Head coach Gareth Collins commented: ''Blackheath were just better than us in all areas today. It certainly wasn't a lack of effort, and we probably deserved something out of the game, but Blackheath are a top side and played well on the day. They executed their kicking game really well and that really limited our ability to attack. They were also far more efficient in taking their opportunities than we were today.''