DESPITE the local biblical storms leading to the cancellation of both the 2nd and 3rd XI home games, Dinas Powys Cricket Club Firsts travelled to Monmouth which has a bizarre micro-climate that means the team often play when others don't. And Saturday was no exception.

With clouds looming and an interrupted game expected, Dinas skipper Ian Southwell elected to field and Nathan Piddock and Lewis Clarke opened the bowling. Top wicket taker Piddock gave his side an early lift by removing a dangerous left hander, but, from this point, after a few early chances, the home batsmen took control. And, despite the efforts of Josh Clogg, Richard Morgan, Jason Harries and Reuben Mitchell, no further wickets were forthcoming.

The Monmouth batsmen struck the ball well, and Dinas were looking down the barrel until Morgan removed a Monmouth centurion with a good off-cutter. Two further wickets fell to Clarke, who bowled well at the death, and one to Piddock, which, together with a run out, saw Monmouth finish on 320 for six off 50 overs.

Morgan posted the most respectable figures, comfortably bridging the gap between the Firsts and Seconds.

Opening the Dinas response, Piddock and Southwell looked relatively untroubled before the former fell to a rash shot. Southwell then fell in similar fashion and, after a mix-up between Brychan Tudor and Jack Preston, the former was run out and Dinas were on the back foot. Preston and Matthew Todd-Bennett looked to rebuild before the latter was adjudged lbw to the surprise of some spectators, while Preston, who top scored with 31, then fell to a far more straightforward lbw decision. There then followed somewhat of a procession as Dinas were all out for 118.

All teams are allowed one off day a season and, with Dinas now having had theirs, they find still sit in second place in the table. Promotion is still a realistic target and next up at home this Saturday are bottom of the table Machen.

Dinas would like to thank Go-Surveys for their continued support.

Forthcoming fixtures: Saturday, July 5 - Firsts v Machen (1pm, Bryn y Don), Seconds v Malpas (away), Thirds v Monkswood (1.30pm, Common); July 6 - Dinas Past v Dinas Present (2pm, Common); July 7 - U11s v Barry (6pm, Common); July 8 - U13s v Llantwit Major (6pm, away); July 10 - U15s v Whitchurch (6pm, away).