Looking to continue their strong start, Dings were up against a team that hadn’t been able to get a point in the league season however had had a tough run of fixtures against the top teams and were looking to change their fortunes. From the arrival things were looking towards that narrative, greeted by a well attended old boys dinner, having to share a changing room with Old Centralians 2nd Team and eyeing up a pitch that didn’t need Rory McIlroy to bend on one knee to see that the ball will roll towards the M5.

A couple of changes for the knights this week. Alex Bilton getting minutes in the back row, Caleb Bonello returning from injury at hooker and Billy Marsden earing his first start. Jacob Fuller operating at full back to bring down the average age of the backline that Greg Welling distorts.

Josh Lloyd braving a pulled calf in training, walking around like he had a stone in his shoe, took the armband and won the toss, electing to utilise the slope and Dings’ typical fast start.

Jamie Elswood being the instigator, saw a weakness in the Chosen Hill defence, cautious of the slope and dropping too far back, allowing a neat crossfield kick into the path of Omar Ly who then skated through the covering defence to add the 1st 5 on the board, with Elswood adding the extras.

Dings added to lead via Marsden. A great spell of possession found the ball in Josh Lloyds hands, where, fully fit would of forced over however was tackled shy of the line. A brave, short line from Marsden, soaked a big collision to crash over. Despite out wide, Elswood added the bonus.

Chosen Hill elected for a shot at goal with a penalty given infront of the posts to get on the scoreboard.

Knights 3rd Try followed great lineout pressure from Hales forcing an overthrow where Bonello at the rear of the lineout pounced on and had a run up against the unfortunate fly half.

Chosen Hill then added to score via another penalty before Dings then secured the bonus point. A loose kick found Ly in the back field, who was able to show his pace, going the long way round the defence before beating his opposite number for pace.

Half Time - 26-6.

The dominant 1st half display was missing a dominant maul which has been common this season, and Elswoods kick to the corner, luckily missing my car, created the first opportunity. Lloyd hitting his man, allowed him to join the back of the maul and help steer the pack over the line.

Chosen Hill had a period of pressure but a determined defence and a great turnover from sub, Jason Taylor on the Dings 22 was able to give the ball to Omar Ly who straightened up and showed no sign of slowing as he ran up hill and evaded the covering back 3 to score underneath the sticks to complete his superb hatrick, making it difficult for Elswood miss.

Dings final try came from Ezra Caven, moving into 13, running short on Venns shoulder and carrying the defender over the line. Welling taking over the kicking duties, chipping over to make his stats 100%.

In a weird way, the Dings performance didn’t feel like Chosen Hill deserved a try, however the 1st chance Chosen Hill entered the 22, good patience and multiple phases gave them their only try of the game to the raucous crowds joy.

Full Time – Chosen Hill 13 – Dings Crusaders 46