ANGRY David Dunn claimed a controversial refereeing decision had contributed heavily to Lions’ dramatic defeat at Launceston.

Leading 22-16 against the Cornish big guns, Bournemouth were reduced to 14 men when referee Jonathan Healy dismissed Tom Vaughan-Edwards.

The hosts capitalised on the numerical advantage to seal a 35-22 win as Lions dropped to within two points of the National Two South relegation zone.

Bournemouth director of rugby Dunn criticised the official’s performance and suggested Vaughan-Edwards had been a victim of “mistaken identity” as he received a second yellow card late on.

Dunn told the Daily Echo: “The penalty should have gone to us but the referee decided to penalise Tom and sent him off. That changed the game..”

Lions had looked set for a fine victory after tries from Chris Hughes, Jaryd Robinson and Sam Hardcastle, plus seven points from the boot of Dan Pollard, put them in charge.

To make matters worse, centre Dean Pearce is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering another shoulder dislocation.

Lions: Carrel, Wilford, Manning, Andrews, Forrest, Hughes, Vaughan-Edwards, Booth, Hardcastle, Pollard, Connolly, Pearce, Chislett, Robinson, Pollard. Used subs: Firetto, Featherstone, Peart, Hart, Stewart.