FOR their first home game of the season, Dinas Powys Cricket Club 1st XI entertained Vale on Saturday and, on a glorious day, skipper Ian Southwell lost the toss and, unsurprisingly, was invited to field.

Opening the bowling, Nathan Piddock and Lewis Clarke made a solid start, with the former picking up a Vale opener lbw. Dinas turned to spin from Asaf Risvi but, unfortunately, he injured himself in his first over and left the field, being replaced by the effervescent John Clogg. Stuart Jones took over bowling duties and produced an immaculate 10 overs, being unlucky not pick up a wicket. Instead, the wickets fell to seam, with Josh Clogg and Clarke picking up two each and Piddock (four), with a series of devastating spells. Vale slumped from a good position of 130 for two to 217 all out in 45 overs, with the final two wickets due to run outs.

Well fed during the interval as usual, Dinas had an extra special bonus of a Josh Clogg birthday cake!

Southwell and Piddock opened the batting for Dinas and made a superb start, particularly the latter who hit the ball to all parts of the boundary, while his partner nudged the ball to all parts of the square.

Dinas raced to 90 without loss inside the first 20 overs and looked comfortable in chasing 218 to win. Piddock reached an excellent 50 but was soon out caught at mid off going for one shot too many. This brought Brychan Tudor to the crease, and saw Southwell adopt the dominant role. Southwell began to punish the spinners, and even hit a six - a collector's item for him! However, Southwell went the same way as Piddock and, when Jones, Tudor and Mitchell followed in quick succession, Dinas had slipped to 155 for five.

Steadying the ship, youngsters Matt Todd-Bennett and Jack Preston took Dinas to within 30 runs of victory. However, when both fell with 20 still needed to win, it was up to Risvi to rise from his sick bed and knock off the winning runs (on one leg), including a splendid six straight back over the head of the Vale's opening bowler.

Dinas ran out winners by three wickets with three overs to spare to earn maximum points for the third time this season and cement second place in the league.

Elsewhere, the 2nd XI had a bad day at the office, losing to Rogerstone by 10 wickets.

The 3rd XI won a very close match against local rival Sully Spartans on a resplendent Common.

After restricting the Spartans to 102, with Geoff Colley taking three for 17 and young Rhys Lloyd a fantastic catch, the Thirds, skippered by Gareth 'Gofer' Storey in Rob Tucker's absence, knocked off the runs with three wickets to spare. Colley featured again with 34.

On Sunday, a Dinas XI beat a Sully Centurions XI on the Common. Chasing down 230 to win, the home side won with three overs to spare.

On the bowling front, Piddock took two wickets for nine runs, while runs came from Colley (70no), Preston (48) and Clarke (32).

Thanks are extended to Sully for the taking the game at late notice.

Dinas would like to thank CP Associates for their continued support.