Dinas Powys RFC 10 v Gwernyfed 6

THE rain eventually abated and the Dinas Powys Common provided a superb playing surface for the visitors - Gwernyfed - from the village of Talgarth in Powys to provide stern opposition for an injury ravaged Dinas Powys side.

The contest was generally a dour affair and the Villagers of Dinas Powys ended with a hard-earned but well-deserved victory.

The home side dominated the first 15 minutes, but it was the visitors who took the lead through a penalty kick following their first visit to the Dinas Powys 22.

The home side were stung into action and powerful carries by props Andrew O'Malia and Luke Dyer provided quick ball for the outstanding half back's Sam Middlemiss and Ben White to release the threequarters, the incision and guile was provided by full back Rhys Evans who fed centre Johnny Morris who crossed for what was to prove to be the only try of the match.

The conversion was added by the impeccable White and after 20 minutes the home side led by 7-3.

The men from Gwernyfed responded immediately from the restart as the Villagers failed to clear their lines and conceded a mystery penalty and their lead was reduced to 7-6. Powerful bursts by centre Dan Evans were to produce no end product and the first half limped to a conclusion with no further scores added. The half-time score stood at 7-6.

The second half was attritional with both sides lacking nothing in determination but proving unable to display any real quality in their back play. The only sparkle was provided by the home full back Rhys Evans who looked the most likely player to break the second half stalemate.

Outstanding performances by Ryan Shallish and Dean Imperatto in the back row were complimented by a man-of-the-match performance from flanker Lewis Dunleavy who not only defended stoutly in his usual manner but dominated at the lineout.

The second half sprung into life in injury time as stunning interplay between forwards and backs released home wing Huw "Pablo" Liddell to within inches of the try-line, and from the resulting ruck the visitors were caught offside and White extended the lead to 10-6.

The referee deemed that play should continue and the visitors released wave after wave of attacks, the home defence now reinforced by replacements Matt Knibbs and Morgan Williams was however to remain unbreached and the final whistle was received with relief as the Villagers regained winning ways.

Next week on Saturday, January 30, sees Dinas Powys make the short trip to high-flying Barry.