Rich pickings for ace Wintle

SWANSEA 51

ROSARIO 31

RICHARD WINTLE was the hat-trick hero as Swansea overran Argentinian champs Rosario by seven tries to five.

Wintle showed his international credentials as he crashed over three times to help the All Whites to a much-needed victory in the Welsh Rugby Union's controversial Challenge Trophy.

Swansea have to face South African side Northern Bulls and Canada next week and they will be looking for similar performances after rattling up this half-century against Rosario.

But Swansea, who fielded nine internationals, made hard work of imposing their superiority with the lead changing four times in the first quarter.

Swansea didn't help their cause by handing the South Americans an interception try after just four minutes. And although Wintle scored the first of his three tries three minutes later, Swansea found themselves behind again when the Argentines' speed king Gonzalo Acuria went over for a second try as Rosario led 12-8.

But Swansea confidently moved up a gear and put some daylight between them and the tourists with tries for centre Owain Jones and Wintle.

Swansea cruised back into the lead, which they were to retain for the rest of the match.

They held a 22-19 half-time advantage despite conceding a third try.

But in the second half it was almost all Swansea as they went in for four tries in the third quarter courtesy of Richard Rees, Mark Taylor, Andy Booth and, for the third time, Wintle.

With victory secured, Swansea stepped off the gas to allow Rosario back with two tries, the second one cancelling out a possible bonus point.

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