Dinas Powys RFC improve but win eludes them (From Penarth Times)

Dinas Powys RFC improve but win eludes them

7:40am Thursday 4th February 2010

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CEFN COED RFC 10 DINAS POWYS RFC 6

DINAS Powys RFC travelled to Cefn Coed looking for their first double of the season, having defeated their opponents in the corresponding fixture in the autumn.

After a week that had seen full and frank discussions among coaching staff, Dinas took the field determined to improve on last week's disappointing display against Canton, against a side also languishing in the lower reaches of the division but one who had shown considerable improvement since their visit to The Common earlier in the season.

Dinas showed a number of changes in the pack, whilst the back line was the same that started the Canton game the previous week.

The game started in a similar mode to so many others this season – ie from Dinas' point of view slowly – and from the kick off the home team were able to apply considerable territorial pressure, although not really looking as though they would score a try.

However, this seeming lack of penetration was removed when in quick succession, the impressive scrum half twice got away from the blindside defence, and the second of these breaks resulted in a try in the corner, superbly converted.

So after 10 minutes the visitors found themselves trailing 7-0.

Following the restart the Dinas eight started to tighten their grip on their opponents' pack especially at the scrum, walking the home forwards backwards on a number of occasions, as well as competing well at both the line out and in the loose.

However, the heavy conditions meant free flowing rugby was going to be difficult, and this was emphasised by the game plan of the hosts whose main, if not only tactic in the first half, was to send their big Nº12 straight at outside half Rhys Williams, who to his credit took the battering and tackled excellently all afternoon.

When Dinas did try to move the ball wide they created some half chances, but these were not maximised, firstly due to support players over-running the ball carrier, and secondly the failure to spot the fact that the defender in front is a forward and then using sheer pace to attack him on the outside.

After 25 minutes the referee awarded Dinas a penalty 25 metres from the posts, and Williams converted the opportunity with a fine kick to reduce the deficit to 4 points.

With no further score in the half it was felt amongst all concerned that the visitors had handled the best that Cefn could throw at them and that the game was there for the taking.

Half time changes saw Nick Vagges replace the impressive Lloyd Horwood at hooker, and Morgan Williams came on at flanker at the expense of James Davies – the latter change designed to increase the pace in the back row and therefore apply pressure on the impressive opposition half backs, especially the scrum half who was exerting a huge influence on the game.

The majority of the second half play took place between the 22 metre lines, with neither side able to impose themselves – a situation not helped by players on both sides giving away a stream of penalties until eventually the referee lost patience and produced a yellow a card.

The Cefn replacement who had been on the field for only a few minutes was soon back in the warmth of his tracksuit for another 10 minutes.

Now facing 14 men, Dinas moved the ball into the corner 5 meters from the home try line, and the line out catch and drive was completed cleanly and effectively. The forward drive was heading for a certain score when the maul was collapsed by a desperate defence, but the referee didn't see this as a penalty offence and the chance was gone.

Williams soon converted another excellent penalty to bring the score to 7-6 and the momentum was clearly with Dinas.

The home side were becoming rattled, and this frustration saw a number of unseemly incidents including Williams being punched well off the ball and centre Dave Lloyd receiving a cut to his ear that would later require 10 stitches.

When all this cooled down, there was one further score, a penalty from the home team full back, making the final score 10-6.

Although Dinas collected another bonus point there was disappointment and frustration that this was without doubt a game that could have been won.

The club now go into the enforced 6 Nations break (the next game being the visit of league leaders and local rivals Barry on February 20), aiming to build on this performance and develop a style of play that best suits the talents within the squad.

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