Rugby failed to produce the performance they were looking for in their biggest game of the season as near-neighbours Broadstreet found the right game plan to frustrate the usually prolific scoring Lions backs.

Lions did look affected by the tension and made handling errors that were wholly uncharacteristic for them this season.

On a still evening, both sides were looking for an early lead and three penalties were attempted, the first by Lions’ Lloyd Warner from inside his own half.

Warner’s first-minute kick was straight but fell just below the crossbar.

Broadstreet looked sharp with the ball in hand and won their own penalty on 9 minutes, which Dan Richards kicked for 0-3.

Warner’s second chance straight after was from 41 metres on the left but hit the post.

To often, Lions possession was lost by handling errors to give Broadstreet the ball, which they were much better at retaining. The visitors also managed to cover Lions’ attacks through the backs despite Rugby’s lineout working really well and providing quick ball for the backs.

Rugby fly half Jack Green tried to level the scores with a drop goal but was off target.

There was some niggle creeping into the game at the breakdowns and the referee spoke to both captains n the half-hour mark.

Warner dealt well with a high kick and chase by Broadstreet and the visitors looked at least the equals of the Rugby pack, pushing Lions back in a scrum and then turning the reset scrum for their own put in.

Lions were put under pressure from Broadstreet centre Tom Grimes’ run and then from a hack ahead to the line although Phil Reed seemed to be tripped as he raced back to claim the ball.

Richards gave his side a great start to the second half with his second penalty.

Then Rugby touched down twice but were denied tries on each occasion.

First Warner kicked through and he and Harris reached the ball, which appeared to be touched down, but neither referee nor assistant referee could say they had seen the touchdown.

Then mark Warrilow threw a fine miss pass out wide for Jeff Gregson to streak home only for the pass to be called forward, the ref then using a water bottle to clear his eyes.

On 68 minutes, Richards’ third penalty gave his side a crucial two-score advantage.

Broadstreet then expertly ran down the clock with possession rugby or long kicks into Rugby’s half.

There was nothing Lions could come up with to threaten the Broadstreet line and to add insult to injury, Richards kicked his fourth penalty after a rare Broadstreet attack.

This performance was a huge disappointment for the Lions team and their supporters but as long as the poor handling proves to be a one-off, they can go into the upcoming games with every confidence in being able to get back to free-scoring and winning ways.

Rugby Lions: Warner, Gregson, Goode, Reed, Harris, Green, Barker, Williams, Price, Warrilow, Kolakowski, Braband, Saunders, Nash, Walton. Reps: Spokes, Burchnall, Campton, Handley, Andrews