Wath Brow Hornets stars had a big say as the English Lions snatched a late draw in the opening match of their Fijian tour.

The Lions, coached by Hornets boss Ian Rooney, took on Fiji Residents in their opening tour clash on Saturday and came away with a 16-16 draw.

This will give them plenty of confidence for the second encounter, to be played today against West Fiji.

England took an early lead at Ratu Cakobou Park, Nasouri, after just four minutes when Brow centre Karl Dixon raced over the try line. However, it was just too far out to convert.

Their hosts came back with two touchdowns of their own to edge ahead at 10-4.

It was a hot and humid afternoon with 86 degrees showing on the thermometer but the visitors stuck to the task in hand.

England struck back with two tries, courtesy of Siddal's Iain Davies and Wigan St Patrick's Dan Birkett to lead 12-10.

Then, with 15 minutes to go, Fiji went ahead once more with a converted try to set up a tense finale.

England pressed and a huge hit from Wath Brow's Charlie Tomlinson laid the platform for the Lions to strike back.

And Siddal full-back Freddie Walker got on the end of a move to pick up the final try and make it all square at the final whistle.

The Hornets also had Fran King and Richard Huby in the starting line-up while Egremont's Kieron Glenn was on the bench.

The tourists had been hit in the opening minute with the withdrawal of Siddal hooker Craig Sanderson through injury.

But his replacement Callum Windley, of West Hull, did well taking the man-of-the-match award.

The Lions are back in action today before playing the final match of the tour on Saturday against East Fiji.