LAST weekend saw the final round of league matches for the villagers, with two of the three Saturday sides still in with a shout of promotion.

The 1st XI, in 3rd spot was hosting 4th placed Monmouth. The mathematics for promotion needed a win, with sufficient points gained to surpass the points of 2nd placed Ponthir who were due to entertain basement club Machen. An unlikely scenario, but mathematically possible. In the end, it mattered not as the rains of Friday night put paid any action. Despite sterling efforts on the square and outfield, the ground remained too wait, and after a frustrating delay, skipper Ian Southwell shook hands with the Monmouth skip without a ball being bowled. Ponthir's match was also called off, and they with Champions Lisvane will be playing in Division 2 next year. Despite missing out on promotion, it's been a fantastic effort by the Villagers 1st XI.

The 2nd's, mathematically safe from the drop travelled to Newport Fugitives, where the track was damp but playable. Skipper Ford lost the toss (again), and was unsurprisingly asked to bat. After a very cautious start against an accurate attack, wickets began to fall, opener Mike O'Donovan going for a patient 23 that turned out to be the top score in the innings. Ford and Ade Colley steadied the ship a little, but when Ford departed for 20, it started a procession of wickets with Simon Hiscocks standing aghast and helpless at the non striker's end as the Villagers lost their last 6 wickets for just 6 runs to end on a way below par 113 all out. It was never going to be enough, and despite an early wicket for Upinder Singh, the Fugies knocked off the runs with ease for the loss of that single wicket inside 25 overs.

The 3's also saw their game at Whitchurch Heath cancelled due to rain early in the day, but lying in second spot, and with sufficient points in the bag, they have done enough to see promotion to Division 6 of the WCCC. It's been a great effort, and the second promotion in successive season for the 3rds.

On Sunday, the club hosted a special match on the Common against "The Casualties XI". Actors Charles Dale and William Beck, along with ex-Glamorgan star Mike Powell and Simon Hart MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire and his son were included in the Casualties outfit. Batting first Dinas scored 166 in their 20 overs with Ian Southwell starring with the bat with an unbeaten 50. In reply, the Casualties fell about 30 runs short, despite a great unbeaten 76 by Mike Powell whose county class shone though. It was a great day and the club would like to thank everyone who was involved and our guests for their time and commitment to the game, and everyone who came along to support the occasion.

Dinas Powys Cricket Club would like to thank everyone who has supported the club this season, but special thanks go to our main sponsors, Go-Surveys Ltd, Vectos and Burnett Davies with Easton

Next weekend the club has a short tour to Cheltenham. Friday, September 26 sees the annual end of season dinner and awards night at Dinas Powys Golf Club.