DINAS Powys Cricket Club 1st XI skipper Nathan Piddock took his troops on a long trip to Monmouthshire to face Monkswood hoping to get back to winning ways after last week’s defeat at home to Cardiff Gymkhana.

Piddock won the toss and decided to bowl first with Dinas starting well by claiming the wicket of the dangerous Matthew Malson who was run out in single figures.

It was Piddock (2-37) who struck next with surviving opener, Mike Jones caught well by 'keeper Gordon Hannah down the leg side.

Monkswood then built some strong partnerships to rack up 262-8 with Matt Bloxham (3-42) the pick of the Dinas bowlers.

The innings was marred by an injury to wicketkeeper Hannah who dislocated his left shoulder diving for a wide delivery. Youngster Jack Thomas donned the vacated gloves and took three good catches behind in a rare positive on the day.

Dinas began their chase after tea and were immediately under the cosh as Asad Rizvi was out fourth ball trying a big shot which was perhaps a tad unnecessary. Matthew Todd-Bennett departed soon afterwards having been caught well at gully.

Piddock (15) was soon heading back to the pavilion too as he was caught behind leaving Dinas in complete disarray at 30-3. Thomas (17) and Wingren (22) looked to be building a useful partnership having both got themselves settled but couldn’t last the pace.

Dinas then pressed the self-destruct button with only star man with the ball, Matt Bloxham hitting a respectable score with a well-made 37. The visitors were eventually all out for 136 losing out to their hosts rather heavily by 125 runs in what was a poor batting display

The ground at which this game was played used to be farmed by monks hence the name of the home side and it is said that Monks generally live a contemplative life of prayer. There is much for skipper Piddock to contemplate and more importantly pray for if Dinas are to realise their promotion dream after a couple of disappointing defeats.

The 2nd XI laboured to victory over winless Pontymister at Parc Bryn-y-Don.

With a strong seam attack, Dinas Powys skipper Andy Ford was by no means disappointed to lose the toss and take the ball on a sticky outfield.

Openers Saajan Ali and Upinder ‘Ranjit’ Singh impressed with an early wicket each, but it was change bowlers Ollie Coughtrey (9-5-9-3) and Sam Marlow (9-4-13-2) who stole the show with the innings' best figures.

Josh Clogg built up an impressive head of steam towards the end and mopped up the Pont tail with two for five.

But seldom does a side bowl its opposition out for 78 knowing it could have been a whole lot better, with dropped catches and stubborn middle-order resistance costing all of 42 overs of the scheduled 45.

In reply, Dinas set about their paltry target is typically watchful fashion - the spirit of Essex-bound former club stalwart Mike O'Donovan loomed large as the home side took five overs to get off the mark.

From there, the Villagers struggled and attempts to, well, hit off the square made for painful viewing for those foolhardy enough to have turned up to watch.

At 10-3, Dinas were in a spot of bother until Miles Wilton loosened up - after a couple of lives - to pounce on anything short or wide.

What turned out to be a crucial 44 not out proved the mainstay of the Dinas innings and together with skipper Andy Ford, Wilton saved a few blushes.

So the Seconds were back to winning ways, albeit by the relatively small margin of five wickets and were probably more relieved in victory than joyous one can imagine.

The 3rd XI took on top of the table, Cynon Valley at The Common knowing a win would take them into a promotion spot. Valley won the toss and to Dinas skipper, Red Todd-Bennett’s surprise they decided to bat despite the inclement weather the day before.

Alex Vowles and Rob ‘Ginger Mose’ Mosley opened the bowling for Dinas but were frustrated by the Valley openers, Marczak and Addiscott who brought up the hundred for Valley without being unduly troubled perhaps vindicating their decision to bat first.

Dinas turned to a back pain plagued John Clogg to bowl his allotted nine overs but even the experienced campaigner could not find a breakthrough.

Vowles returned from the other end shortly after drinks and found the formula as he trapped Addiscott LBW. The wicket seemed to spark Dinas into life as they started to turn the screw on the Valley batsman.

Rhys Lloyd was brought on and the teenage spinner continued his fine form taking a five-fer much to his delight but perhaps not so much to dad Huw’s who had to buy the celebratory drinks after the game.

Junior Nathan Waite also impressed by clean bowling big-hitter Ieuan Hames and throwing in for an excellent run-out for the final wicket as Cynon Valley crumbled from 109 without loss to 158 all out.

After some hefty platters of Ruth Clogg’s tea, Andy Smith and Tom Eden began the chase providing great foil for each other with the latter hitting the bad ball and Smith nudging the singles in an experienced manner. Dinas reached 110 before Smith departed caught-behind for 35 after getting a thin edge on one.

Eden (65) achieved another fantastic half-century for the second week running before edging behind and Rob Tucker hit a quick 20 with the overs starting to run out.

Even the watching Mavis Wilton, normally so relaxed while accompanied by a beverage was getting a bit twitchy as Dinas required 15 off 20 deliveries with two new batsman at the crease.

Enter the skipper Red Todd-Bennett (nine not out) who whacked his opposite number for six into the car park amid in jest cheers of “Are you Matthew in disguise?” from the crowd referring to his brother, a 1st team regular.

Ginger Mose (six not out) also got in on the act as he cracked a boundary to win the game with an over to spare meaning the 3rd XI moved into second place in the league following their fifth consecutive victory.

The club are holding a Race Night next Saturday, August 1 (8pm start) at Dinas Powys Athletic Club. All are welcome for what is always a great social event and an opportunity to raise some money for the club.

Next week’s matches:

1st XI v Whitchurch Heath 1st XI (Home – Parc Bryn-y-Don)

2nd XI v Whitchurch Heath 2nd XI (Away)

3rd XI v Penarth 4th XI (Away)