PORTHCAWL 14pts

DINAS POWYS 1st XV 48

AFTER the dismal weather of the past few weeks, it was a welcome change to see the sun shining high in the sky over Dinas Powys as the rugby club's senior team prepared for the journey to the home of the 'Seagulls' in Porthcawl.

An unfortunate delay in departure meant the players arrived at the ground just 40 minutes ahead of the expected 2.30pm kick-off. With the players being put through their paces in the warm-up, discussions were still taking place behind the scenes as to whether or not the pitch was even playable, but, after much deliberation, all parties agreed that the match could proceed.

With a number of regular first team players unavailable, the Villagers provided several of the talented youth team with their début within the senior XV.

The visitors were by far the brighter side during the first half and were rewarded handsomely with four quick and unanswered tries, with Dan Evans, James Smith, Gavin Cooper and Tom Chapman all crossing the whitewash. With James Smith's second try of the game just prior to half-time, the visitors led 31-0.

The second half began in much the same vein as the first had finished with the men from the Vale managing to score an additional three tries, including a brace from tenacious flanker Morgan Williams. However, the home team showed resilience to score two tries of their own with relative ease. Their second was of particular concern for the Dinas coaching team as the Seagulls' fly half dissected the visiting defence with apparent ease from 20 metres out.

Despite the disappointment at conceding 14 points, the much-needed improvement in performance compared to the games of December and early January was heartening for the large contingent of travelling supporters.

The presence and performance of the débutants Liam Driscoll and Tom 'Tank' Baister, together with fellow youth captain Corey Imperato, was a huge boost to the senior team and a credit to the youth team coaches who work tirelessly to ensure the club has a bright and competitive future. All three played outstandingly with passion and commitment evident in every stride.

Dinas Powys are next in action at home against Treharris on Saturday, March 8; kick-off 2.30pm.