A CARNIVAL atmosphere and a large crowd greeted Dinas Powys RFC and Penarth onto the pitch at a sun drenched Common for a highly anticipated local derby.

The "Villagers" of Dinas Powys dominated the first hour of the contest, scoring all their points in this period but a brave and committed Penarth side fought their way back into the contest and enjoyed their best period in the final quarter.

The home side took the lead after 10 minutes when powerful centre Ciaran Driscoll crossed in the shadow of the posts, with fly half Ben White adding the conversion, the home side led by 7-0.

A further scintillating try seemed to be added within minutes by the other centre Adam Williams only to be disallowed for a forward pass. The much vaunted Penarth scrum was not enjoying the dominance their supporters expected, as the home front row of props Andrew O'Malia, Caleb Robinson and hooker Ryan Shallish exerted pressure at this phase that drew a penalty that White converted to extend the lead.

The home side were dominating possession and were therefore able to allow their exciting backline to thrill the home support, wingers Rhys Evans and Sonny Driscoll were seeing a lot of the ball as the home side switched play from side to side.

The robust Penarth defence was breached again after 25 minutes as scrum half Nathan Williams found himself on the left wing following a series of such play, the impeccable White converted and the home side led 17-0. The final score of the first half was achieved by the visitors as Nathan Smith kicked a long range penalty. Half-time score was 17-3.

The second half started as the first had ended with the home side dominating the game with huge physicality from home forwards Gareth Williams, Huw Thomas, Lewys John and captain Josh Dunleavy. The pressure exerted at the break down freed the ball for home flanker Lewys Dunleavy who showed great pace to run 30 metres and outstrip the Penarth defence.

This try crowned a man of the match performance by the unassuming Dunleavy, who dominated the lineout and once again displayed his amazing prowess for tackling. This try was the final home score of the match, the latter part of the game saw the visitors pack rumble over in the left corner for a try and generally encamp in the Dinas half of the pitch.

The home defence during this period was immense as tackle after tackle was made in which replacements, prop Luke Dyer and flanker Corey Imperatto were to the fore.

This was a victory that confirmed Dinas Powys in second position in the division and will encourage them greatly for next week's away fixture at Gwernyfed, a club based in Talgarth near Brecon.

The Dinas Powys clubhouse was a very happy place on Saturday evening full of happy supporters that could celebrate a perfect day following the victories for theirs and the national side.