DAVID Dunn hailed the impact Dan Connolly has made at Bournemouth after the former Wales sevens international star grabbed a hat-trick in their 42-12 romp at Newton Abbot.

The ex-Pontypool centre-cum-winger left the Welsh Premiership outfit in late January to move to the ambitious Dorset club.

Connolly has taken his time to settle into the fold at Chapel Gate.

But he made it four tries in only three starts by diving over three times as Lions edged closer to sealing a play-off spot in National Three South West.

It was just the tonic required by Bournemouth following their demoralising 42-5 home reverse against title favourites Hartpury College in their previous game.

Now victory at home to Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday could secure second spot and a coveted play-off place in Lions’ bid to go up.

Dunn, who also saw Karim Lynch, Sam Yarwood and Scott Chislett grab tries and Dan Pollard slot over three conversions and two penalties, said: “It was great to see Dan get a hat-trick.

“I’m delighted for him because it takes time to settle into a new club with a new group of players and a different style of play.

“Particularly when he’s come into the squad a long way into the season and everything is established in our play.

“We’re pleased with what Dan has done and he finished off all three moves extremely well against Newton Abbot.

“He looks very comfortable and happy here and is a good guy to have around the changing room.

“It’s very much a family club at Bournemouth and it’s nice to see his family coming to games to support him as well.

“Dan has come in with a fresh pair of eyes. He’s offered suggestions for change with improvement in mind and brings a lot of experience into the side.”

The experience of Connolly, who has also made three substitute appearances, could prove vital to Lions’ cause at the business end of their season.

Dunn, meanwhile, said: “It was a relief to beat Newton Abbot and get back to winning ways so soon after the Hartpury disappointment.

“It was really important and we did it in style.”