SWALEC Division 3 East Central A

Dinas Powis RFC 43 Llantwit Major 17

DINAS Powis RFC continued their relentless march towards promotion with a nine try destruction of the team that sits in fourth position within the league.

The ‘Villagers’ had demonstrated they are ready to progress to a higher level as they overcame second division opponents Pontyclun 18-6 in the midweek Worthington East District Cup semi-final, and continued their winning streak against Llantwit RFC who had appeared to be promotion candidates themselves earlier in the season.

Having suffered from a number of injuries during recent weeks, Llantwit called for passive scrums from the outset but were shown no mercy by the confident and assured league leaders.

Despite a tailwind that favoured the visitors in the first half, it was Dinas who quickly seized their opportunities through breathless interplay between the home players to ensure that four tries and the vital bonus point were assured within 20 minutes.

The ‘Villagers’ crossed the whitewash an additional three times during the opening 40 minutes, continuing the season’s try-fest and bringing their match tally to seven before the interval.

Left wing James Smith opened the scoring within five minutes showing his pace and clever footwork to cross in the corner.

The exuberant scrum half Nathan Williams, who is enjoying a record breaking season, scored the second try a few minutes later following fine combination play from the base of a scrum with powerful number eight and club captain Josh Dunleavy.

Llantwit responded with an impressive long range drop goal from just inside the Dinas half, demonstrating the strength of the breeze that blew towards St Andrews.

Dinas do not like to concede points and they responded quickly and decisively through right wing Rhys Evans who scored a classy wingers try. This was followed two minutes later by Nathan Williams’ second try.

Fine driving play from impressive flanker Corey Imperatto allowed Williams to cross for the vital bonus point-gaining fourth try.

The home side were irrepressible and exciting running full back Matthew Arnold crossed to complete a fine team try following stunning interplay between forwards and backs. Second rows Gareth Williams and Huw Thomas were rampaging around the sun baked Common, breaking through tackles and providing quality possession for the three quarters.

‘Hat-trick hero’ James Smith scored two further tries in the final five minutes of the first half, both gems in their own way, as the home side showed their dominance.

This champagne rugby on a sunny but breezy day did gift a converted try to the visitors as a hanging pass was intercepted by their left wing.

As the official brought the half to a close the score stood at a comfortable 43-10.

For all intents and purposes the contest was all but over and the visitors, with the benefit of passive scrums, showed both pride and spirit to fight back. Within 15 minutes of the restart Llantwit had crossed under the posts for a well worked try which was successfully converted.

Despite this encouraging opening to the second half, Llantwit were not to score again during the encounter but conceded two further tries to the home team.

Both centres crossed for a try apiece; Michael Smith scored as he supported flanker Lewys Johns, the duo passing back and forth between themselves to mesmerise the defenders and score a highly enjoyable try, and the wily David Lloyd scored the ninth and final home try after tormenting the opposition throughout the match. It was a fitting climax to a thoroughly entertaining contest.

The ‘Villagers’ have two remaining league fixtures and a cup final to play before the end of what could be a historic season.

Next Saturday Dinas play St Albans at Tremorfa Park, KO 2.30pm in what could, subject to other results, see them crowned the ‘SWALEC Division 3 East Central A Champions'.

Dinas Powis RFC is pleased to announce that they are currently accepting applications for six new vice presidents to celebrate a successful 2014/15 season.

If you are interested in supporting Dinas either as a vice president, sponsor or volunteer then they would be pleased to hear from you. All enquiries in the first instance should be made via email to info@dinaspowisrfc.co.uk.