Nail-biting finish to U11s' local derby (From Penarth Times)

Nail-biting finish to U11s' local derby

DINAS Powys under 11s rugby team travelled the short distance to Penarth this weekend full of confidence, having beaten Rhyd-felin and Barry with awesome displays of total rugby.

The squad has developed an immense team spirit which is reflected on the pitch through their unselfish play and support for each other.

The Penarth fixture has always been a tough one and this was no exception. Both sets of players quickly got stuck in, with Evan Halls leading the way for Dinas with some thunderous tackles and powerful runs.

Evan's fellow front row members, Tom Davies and Ben Spear, provided very strong support and they were particularly good in the mauls.

The three have become a formidable force and, together with Connor Parsons and Stefan Kadach, they controlled things well in the first half, providing plenty of ball for the Dinas back line.

At scrum half, captain, Elias Jamieson linked well with the forwards and he quickly set the backs moving.

In the first half, the Dinas defence were excellent as they foiled some good Penarth attacks.

Sam Abbott and Kyle Andrew were great in the centre, closing down Penarth and then linking well in attack.

Stefan Grigoriou scored two superb tries, using his awareness, pace and strength to very good effect as he dived over in the corner both times.

Dinas again started well after the break and centre Duke Durham went over for Dinas' third try as he sped past the Penarth defence, having received the ball from outside half Ben White. White frequently got the back line going and made numerous crunching tackles.

New boy Rhys Roberts, showed off his ball-handling skills and tackled well, while Griff Walton and Will Burge came on at front row and got stuck in as Penarth fought back extremely well.

Penarth scored two very good tries to set up a nail-biting finish. However, Dinas defended superbly to keep Penarth out.

Overall, it was another great performance by the Dinas 'Bush pigs,' who were very well supported by friends and relatives.