PEGASUS Palmerians lost their first game of the season as they went down 38-24 at Bancroft.

In a thrilling match, Pegasus still earned a four-try bonus point although they started the game in terrific fashion.

A solid platform in the pack was built upon by captain Neil Tinder-Brown, who once again showed his ability to find the line, burrowing over from the base of the maul.

Frustratingly Pegasus gifted Bancroft field position with three consecutive penalties, which led to the first converted Bancroft try.

This was followed by a second for the hosts, who once again took advantage of Pegasus kicking away possession. Bancroft returned the kick with purpose out wide that only saw one winner in the foot race to the P's try line.

Pegasus then took control of the game with their dominance upfront giving them the platform to play an expansive off-loading game that their opponents struggled to deal with.

And they were rewarded with two tries from prop Leslie Nunn and a further try from Tinder-Brown, taking his impressive try scoring form to six in three games.

It was a 15 minute spell after half-time that saw the wheels begin to fall off, with Pegasus losing three players from their influential pack to injury, including Tinder-Brown.

Bancroft made the most of the changes and their winger scored his third of the afternoon not long after.

Pegasus concentrated their efforts on getting that final try which would earn them a bonus point and it was after a period of sustained pressure that it came.

A reverse inside pass from Bramwell found fly-half Tubby Bill, who crashed over under the posts for a well-deserved team try.

Pegasus host Billericay at home on Saturday in the league, with kick-off at 3pm.