ENGLAND Community Lions, featuring four Thatto Heath players, put up a spirited display before losing their final match on the three-game tour to New Zealand.

The Lions, who had won their opener against North Island Select and then lost 40-24 to the New Zealand Maori started their third match brightly against New Zealand Residents in West Auckland.

With Thatto players Ben Heyes at full back, Mike Stark at prop and the second row pairing of Connor Dwyer and Jamie Tracey, the Lions more than matched the New Zealand Residents in the first half.

And Dwyer and Heyes combined well to create the position for a good attacking scrum on the quarter mark.

St Helens Star:

From the base of the scrum Marcus O'Brien picked up and sent Dwyer steaming up in support and over the line.

That advantage lasted just four minutes before the Residents responded through centre Francis Leger.

Geronimo Doyle hit the first of four goals and it was all level.

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Four minutes from half-time, the Residents claimed their second score when Eiden Ackland slipped through the defence and the boot of Doyle made it 12-6 at half-time.

The hosts made the better start to the second half and scored quickly after the resumption. Wing Simon Luafaleo touched down inside the first couple of minutes of the half and opposite wing Ben Ilaio also got in on the act.

The Community Lions hit back with a try from Orrell St James skipper Dave Kennedy and Wilson goaled after 66 minutes.

But New Zealand Residents made sure of a 28-12 victory with a try five minutes from time by stand-off Tevin Arona.