Dings Knights produced a thrilling, free-flowing performance to outgun Smiths in a pulsating encounter that saw the visitors run in seven tries to secure a hard-earned 45–28 victory on the road.

Despite a slow start and moments of ill-discipline, including two yellow cards and a red, Dings showed incredible attacking flair and resilience to come from behind and take control of the game in the second half.

First Half: A Balanced Battle
Smiths got off the mark early, crossing in the 17th minute for a 5–0 lead. But Dings hit back swiftly as Sam Hales powered over in the 22nd minute, with Jamie Elswood slotting the conversion for a 5–7 advantage.

Smiths edged ahead again through successive penalties (29', 33') but Dings responded decisively. Tries from Ezra Caven (34') and Sol Taufa (39'), both converted by Elswood, gave the visitors a solid 11–21 lead at the break.

Second Half: Fireworks and Flare
The second half started in dramatic fashion with Smiths narrowing the gap just one minute in (41') before Dings unleashed a rapid dart through Ezra Caven, on electric form, slicing through the defence from 35 metres to dot down under the sticks (45') — Elswood again adding the extras.

However, discipline issues threatened to derail Dings' momentum. Tommy Gollop was sin-binned in the 54th minute, and Smiths capitalised with a try (59') followed by a penalty (62') to level the game at 28–28. Shortly after, Neil Dipple also saw yellow (61'), putting Dings briefly down to 13 men.

Final Push: Finishing in Style
Refusing to panic, Dings came roaring back. Tries from Max Rivers (71') and two more from Caven (37', 39') – the latter a length-of-the-field coast-to-coast effort by Callum O'Donnell, gifting the try to Cavens open arms – helped Dings pull away decisively.

The game ended on a sour note as Tommy Gollop received a red card at the 80-minute mark, but the damage was already done, with Dings wrapping up a 45–28 win.

Standout Performers:
Ezra Caven – Hat-trick hero and constant attacking threat.
Jamie Elswood – Metronomic from the tee, steering the team with confidence.

Player of the match - Alex Bilton - Ever present, accuracy in the set piece, disrupting Smiths attack and powering Dings defence.

A memorable evening for Dings Knights, who now take the step up to the next level – Tonight they have shown resilience and team cohesiveness, even when the odds (and cards) are stacked against them.

Report: Baz Johnson