BATH & Wiltshire Romans were unable to hold on to a 20-point lead as they fell to a 56-48 defeat in a thrilling encounter with Bristol Sonics.

Paul Riley got the Romans off to a fine start with two tries in the opening 10 minutes, both converted by Bruce Vuetanaotoka, however, Jonny Mawer replied for Bristol as they reduced the deficit to six points.

A flurry of tries from Vuetanaotoka and Riley saw Romans power into a 26-6 lead.

Bristol hit back again and reeled in the Romans with a series of penalties before a Charlie Geary try saw the Sonics close the gap to 26-22.

Vuetanaotoka crossed again before the break to give his side a 32-22 lead at half-time and the Romans stretched their advantage early in the second half as Riley ran-in another four-pointer, converted by Vuetanaotoka.

Trailing by 16 points, the Sonics hit back. Firstly, Kieran Harvey bulldozed his way over from 10 metres out before prop Simon Bannistern scooted over.

Ben Brierly’s second try put the Romans into a 12-point lead, however, tries from Elliot Nightingale and Byron Jerome made it anyone’s game.

Jack Harbridge’s converted score put the Sonics six points up, hooker Leigh Wheatley crossed for an unconverted score and Harbridge bagged his second.