The Lions were always going to struggle going into the match, with seven first grade players unavailable due to injuries and other commitments.

The first 15 minutes of the game was the regulation sorting-out period, with both sides making good yards with the ball and gaining territory, and it was 20 minutes into the first half before a try was scored.

Lions half back Shane Martin executed a perfect cross-field kick to full back Scott Shepherd, who leapt above the defence to score.

However, five minutes later it was the Dragons' turn, with Colin Lowe barging over the line to level the scores at 4-all.

Five minutes later the Dragons line was under pressure with the Lions gaining repeat sets of six, but the Dragons hit back in the 34th minute with a try to Shane Denning, after a good offload by prop George Ghazel.

With Tim Martin converting, the Dragons were out to a 10-4 lead.

But the Dragons let the next kick-off roll over the dead ball line, and the Lions were again in great field position.

Lions five-eight Glen Rota then managed to slice through the defence to score a try next to the posts, which he also converted.

At the half time break, the scores were level at 10-all.

Four minutes into the second half, a bust by Dragons centre Shane Valentine put Dean Costello over the line for the Dragons to take a 16-10 lead.

Five minutes later, Valentine again busted through the Mittagong defence, scoring a try to put the Dragons 10 points ahead.

But the Lions managed t regroup, and eight minutes later a cut-out pass by Shane Martin sent Peter Robinson on a 70 metre run to the try line, which also included a chip kick by the speedy winger.

With Rota again converting, the Lions were back to within four points.