AFTER a week of glorious weather, the rain came and washed out Dinas Powys Cricket Club 1st XI's fixture at Monkswood.

The reverse 2nd XI fixture went ahead at Bryn y Don with the covers doing their job despite it seeming as if there was no hope on a dank misty morning in Dinas Powys.

A few late dropouts didn't help, but with the first XI game washed out, replacements were readily available (for both teams!), although with little cricket so far for several players, it was a case of searching for some form.

Dinas won the toss and Jeff Mitchell inserted the opposition who raced away to a century opening stand before Josh Clogg (3-31) and Stuart Jones (2-24) eventually dragged things back for the hosts.

The Villagers’ catching continues to be of concern in all three squads, with several baggable chances going begging in the Monkswood innings.

In the end Monkswood just reached 200 for the loss of 8 wickets in their last over, with Dinas contemplating what might have been had they taken their chances.

As the afternoon wore on the sun started to shine and it turned into a beautiful afternoon, confirming that it was the correct decision to play the game.

Chasing the visitors’ 200, Lloyd DiMauro was bowled in the second over for 1, and it should have been two down as number three bat Stuart Jones was dropped behind the wicket off his second ball. Thereafter though, Jones found the form he was looking for as he batted his way to a sublime century, ending on 123 not out, ably supported by Lewis Clarke unbeaten on 68 as the Villagers romped home by 9 wickets with almost 7 overs to spare.

On the Common the 3's entertained Bridgend Town 3's, but found things much harder when losing the toss and batting first they were bowled out for 107, Andy Palmer top scoring with 19.

However, it was fabulously encouraging to see three juniors in the side, all making contributions. 107 was unlikely to be enough though, and so it proved as Bridgend ran out comfortable winners by 7 wickets.

Fixtures for Saturday 2nd June: 1st XI home (Bryn y Don) v Barry Wanderers CC, 1pm, 2nd XI away v Sudbrook CC 2nds, 12.30pm, 3rd XI away v Sully Spartans, 1pm