THE Dinas Powys Cricket Club enjoyed a good weekend, with the only disappointment being the cancellation of the 1st XI's opening league match at Machen - called off early on Saturday due to a wet pitch.

The Seconds also faced damp conditions at Bryn y Don for their Glamorgan & Monmouthshire Division 2 match against Sully Centurions Seconds, with the Vale Council having just about done enough to get the ground playable.

Winning the toss, Dinas skipper Andy Ford inserted nine-man Sully on a slow, low and soggy strip and, with a lush and longish outfield, it was never going to be a high scoring match. Sully's batsmen found life hard going and wickets fell at quick intervals, and being shared among all the home bowlers. Statistically, Reuben Mitchell (2-2) returned the best figures, but veteran seamer John Clogg bowled straight through his allocation, taking 1-7 and stifling all scoring from Sully. The innings was short, and far from sweet, for Sully who mustered just 51.

Turning straight round, Dinas knocked off the runs before tea for the loss of one wicket. Opener Mike O'Donovan was unbeaten on 18, but young Rob Moseley, making his 2nd XI debut, looked assured with 28 not out, finishing the rout with his second six - it doesn't matter if the outfield is slow if you clear the ropes! A great start to life in Division 2 for the Dinas Seconds.

In their opening game of the season, Dinas' 3rd XI entertained Monkswood Thirds in a Welsh Club Cricket Conference Division 7 clash. And a glorious day, and The Common in fine order, set the scene for village cricket at its best.

With Dinas asked to display their batting skills, stalwart Geoff Colley and county junior Jack Thomas opened the season's account and looked comfortable, reaching 80 before young 'JT' chipped one into the welcoming hands of extra cover. A very short appearance from Red Todd-Bennett left the score at 81 for two off 16 overs. Skipper Rob Tucker and Colley moved the score to 112 before the latter fell for a splendid 61. Alex Vowles and Gareth Storey managed five apiece, leaving Tucker and Rhys Lloyd to reach an unbeaten 53 and seven respectively, and a final score of 193 for five off the allotted 45 overs.

Following an excellent tea supplied by Mrs Clogg, the villagers set about defending their total. Monkswood wickets fell at regular intervals, with best bowling performances from Vowles and Colley, who each collected three wickets from their regulation 10 overs for 19 and 15 respectively. Monkswood reached 156 all out and fell short by some 37 runs.

The club's Sunday XI, led again by the club's 2013 player of the year Nathan Piddock, got their season underway on The Common, entertaining Cardiff Northern on a glorious afternoon.

Electing to bat, Dinas amassed a highly challenging 304 in their 40 overs, with Gordon Hannah, new signing Jeff Mitchell and Lloyd DiMauro all passing 50. Jack Preston and Miles Wilton chipped in with 41 and 35 respectively.

After an outstanding tea provided once again by Ruth Clogg, Cardiff Northern began their pursuit and, after working their way to 17 from six overs, wickets soon began to tumble, with Louis Clarke having two catches taken in the slip cordon. The introduction of 10-year-old A J Jones into the attack soon changed the game, with the junior returning fabulous figures of four for 24 off his four overs. A J's uncle, Simon Wilton, soon got in on the act, and Cardiff Northern were bowled out for 106 in the 23rd over for a successful and entertaining game.

Next fixtures: Saturday, May 10, Firsts v Llantwit Fadre (Bryn y Don, 1pm), Seconds v Newbridge (away, 1pm) and Thirds v Cynon Valley (Common, 1.30pm); Sunday, May 11, v S Wales Sri Lankans (away, friendly); Monday, May 12, U11s v Vale (away, 6pm); Tuesday, May 13, Indoor League Finals Night (SWALEC, 6.30pm); Thursday, May 15, U15 v Llantwit (Common, 6pm).

The club would like to thank go-surveys for their continued and valued support.

The club continues to look for new players at senior and junior levels. If anyone is interested, visit dinaspowys.play-cricket.com or contact secretary Simon Hiscocks on 07904867208.