Dings cling on as Hinckley hit back

By JOHN WHITE

Dings Crusaders…32

 Hinckley………………22

DINGS returned to winning ways, but there were nervous moments as Hinckley battled back to claim a well-deserved try bonus-point.

The hosts played with great tempo and enthusiasm for an hour to produce their best rugby of the season, but were unable to sustain the onslaught as the visitors came back strongly.

Crusaders lock Danny Hodge barged over in the third minute after a series of closerange drives from the home pack, with centre Tom Price converting.

Price booted a penalty before Hinckley skipper Alex Salt crashed over for an unconverted try to make it 10-5.

Crusaders hit back with the first of two tries for centre Matty Smith. Price added the extras and another penalty to make it 20-5 at the turnaround.

Dings extended the lead early in the second-half as Smith glided over following a slick build-up that involved scrum-half Tom Knight and wing Tommy Foot.

Hinckley tight-head Dave Peck got a try back after 54 minutes, but Dings got a bonus-point score when Waylon Gascon muscled over.

The final quarter belonged to Hinckley, who secured their bonus with tries by wing Toby Baldwin and full-back Rory Vowles. Joe Wilson added a conversion.