DAVID Dunn insisted Lions had enjoyed a successful weekend – despite failing in their bid to finish their record-breaking season with Bournemouth Sevens Festival glory.

The Bournemouth outfit suffered a 28-5 defeat against Bryanston Old Boys in the final of the tournament’s SCI MX South Cup.

Playing on their home ground at Chapel Gate, Lions had cruised through the earlier rounds with some comfortable wins.

But they more than met their match in the battle for silverware as a talented team made up of Bryanston Old Boys claimed victory.

Lions made a dream start to the final when Dorset & Wilts star Scott Chislett opened the scoring, the centre finishing well after good work from sevens specialist Dean Bradley.

But Bryanston eventually powered clear to end Lions’ chances of adding to the National Three South West title they sealed this term.

Reflecting on the sevens showpiece, director of rugby Dunn paid tribute to his players.

He told the Daily Echo: “The boys started well and got in front but Bryanston put us under a lot of pressure. They got a lead that we couldn’t catch up.

“But we played very well and threw the ball around. All in all, it was a very successful weekend.”

Dunn offered special praise to Dan Connolly after he had combined his playing role with coaching Lions’ sevens squad.

Lions booked their place in the final after registering some thumping victories during the qualification process.

In Saturday’s group stages, they began their campaign with a 39-0 win over Godfathers. That was followed by a narrow 21-17 success against Irish Exiles before a 44-0 hammering of the defending champions from the Army.

The semi-final yesterday had also proved a straightforward affair – with Lions dishing out a 43-0 beating to Swaziland Skrum.

In its fifth year, the popular festival, which combines rugby, netball, live music and entertainment, again saw about 20,000 people descend on Chapel Gate as party-goers made the most of the Diamond Jubilee weekend.

As well as the SCI MX South Cup, a number of rugby competitions took place, with the invitational Viper 10 National Cup taking top billing.