Rugby showed signs of what they are capable of in a strong second-half fight back but Loughborough Students had the fitness and running ability to condemn Lions to a second successive defeat.

Down 5-20 at half time, a heavy defeat again looked likely given the renowned fitness levels of the Students and the hot conditions and fast pitch seemed ideally suited for them to run riot.

So it is greatly to Lions’ credit that they improved steadily and some fine play brought them three scores by the hour mark to draw level with a Loughborough side who are widely tipped to be contesting the promotion spot at the end of the season.

Lions were 0-7 down after 7 minutes but a slick move saw Tom Harris with the speed and strength to score in the corner for 5-7.

But Loughborough kicked a drop goal attempted when the referee was signalling their advantage and soon after Henry Pyrgos kicked a 44-metre penalty with impressive ease.

Lions steadied their defence for much of the rest of the first half but were undone by an interception try from centre Phil Burgess for 5-20.

Rugby would have been grateful for the bonus of an added-time penalty, but Lloyd Warner’s kick out wide and well back missed the target.

Warner made up for that on the restart with a penalty and then conversion of Joss Andrews’ fine try.

The fly half ran into the Students defence, chipped over and collected the ball to score a dramatic try.

Andrews then levelled the scores at 20-20 with a second try after good Lions interchange in the backs.

Two more Loughborough tries seemed to indicate Lions were fading but Matt Goode was prominent in sending Warner in for a bonus-point try he converted himself.

With Rugby pressing for another score, Loughborough found the space to seal the win and deprive Lions of a losing bonus point their efforts deserved.

Rugby will need to start winning soon and that looks well within their capabilities if they can get into their game from the off, not once the opposition are flying with points in the bag.

Rugby Lions: Warner, Marston, Goode, Reed, Harris, Andrews, Handley, Hopkins, Spokes, Burchnall, Weaver, Braband, Campton, Nash, Humphrey. Reps: Gregson, Williams, Warrilow, Munro, Barker