STOURBRIDGE Lions maintained their top status with another bonus point win at home to Veseyans by 48-12.

A seven try performance was marred by the sending off of the skipper, Charlie Harris, just before half time. 26-0 up at the time, the Lions have developed enough momentum and confidence this season to have coped with this set-back comfortably but the skipper will be missed, especially next week at second placed Camp Hill.

First half tries by George Tildesley, Will Hollis, Max Fellows and Will King put the Lions well ahead after 30 mins, added to by three Ben Trinham conversions in a fluid display from the backs, supported by hardworking forward effort.

A blip after the sin-binning of Doolittle and Harris’ dismissal saw Veseyans reduce the arrears to 26-7 by half-time.

It was clear that the Lions needed to add to the gap as soon as the second half kicked off and Tildesley duly delivered his second try with the move of the match.

Lions' forwards stole a lineout and the ball passed through several sets of hands from just outside the Lions 22, Tildesley’s trademark burst burning off the cover on his way to the posts.

Trinham’s conversion put the score up to 33-7 and his penalty soon after put them 36-7 ahead. This effectively ended the contest, although Veseyans did continue to strive to counter.

Trinham capped another influential display with a break and try from a ruck after an hour and then the hat-trick try for Tildesley after another burst left the Lions at 48-7.

Veseyans refused to go down and close to the end they scored an unconverted try to end the game at 48-12 to keep the Lions top.

Another hugely satisfying win for the Lions as the early league pacesetters. Lions travel to Camp Hill next week.