Any doubts about the authenticity of Devonshire Colts as title contenders were further erased as the First Division leaders put on a dominating, virtuoso display last night at BAA Field, battering relegation bound St. David's.

And while the level of their opponents might still give naysayers reason to doubt, the result still spoke volumes for Colts' championship aspirations.

Three first half goals floored any designs ninth-placed St. David's had of aiding their plight, with Keishon Smith, Keenan Burchall and Ellington Weldon the purveyors of doom.

What drama preceded the opening whistle was soon erased, Colts literally stampeding the visiting Islanders, who must have wondered why they chose to venture from their cozy, eastern confines on such a frigid March night.

Pressure by Colts in the 17th minute earned them a left-wing corner, which was taken by Weldon and met by the firm head of Smith, who inexplicably was allowed to rise unchallenged above a motionless defence to nod past goalkeeper Kuhn Evans.

Play continued to move in Colts' direction, with St. David's defence kept under near constant pressure, while at the other end captain Shannon Burgess and centre-back partner Makonnen Hollis swept up any attack.

Just as it seemed St. David's would escape with just a single goal disadvantage at the half, Colts rocked them with a pair of rapid strikes from which they would never recover.

In the 43rd minute Burchall gained possession near the edge of the penalty area and unloaded a solid strike that sailed past Evans for a 2-0 advantage.

Then, just as referee Esten Curtis prepared to blow for the interval, Weldon added a third.

Weldon, always a danger, raced down the right flank and from a seemingly impossible angle sent in a drive that left the defence and Evans bewildered, sneaking in at the far post.

Although it would have been easy to merely sit on their lead in the second half, Colts continued to dictate play, while St. David's folded like a creased envelope.

Smith was denied a second in the 67th minute by the fingertips of Evans and the resulting corner saw Evans similarly thwart Hollis.

The three points earned put Colts six points clear at the top, with second club Vasco now placed in a virtual must-win situation if they are to maintain any hope of repeating as league champions.

Meanwhile, St. David's could find themselves relegated by the end of the weekend if Devonshire Cougars, PHC and Southampton all win.

Devonshire Colts: T.Hall; Jermel Belboda, M.Hollis, S.Burgess, Jermaine Belboda; K.Burchall, J.Samuels, S.Waldron, R.Jones (J.Bean 62 mins); K.Smith (K.Lawrence 76 mins), E.Weldon (C.Smith 79 mins).

St. David's: K.Evans; J.Thomas, S.Pitcher, J.Warren (S.Goater 65 mins), G.Foggo; T.Outerbridge, P.White, A.Bascome; K.Jennings, O.Minors, T.Selassie.

Referee: Esten Curtis.

Men of the Match: Ellington Weldon (Devonshire Colts); Shea Pitcher (St.

David's).