Old Illtydians RFC 33 Dinas Powis RFC 31

THE ‘Villagers’ of Dinas Powis lost their unbeaten league record in a high quality, exciting game away to the Old Iltydians.

A thrilling contest in which the lead changed hands on seven occasions and saw a total of nine tries scored by two of the best sides in the division.

Dinas Powis won the try count 5-4 but lost the contest to a penalty conceded four minutes before the final whistle.

The ‘Villagers’ scored four tries to gain the try bonus point before half time with superb tries from flanker Corey Imperatto, left wing Rhys Evans and a brace from full back James Wiltshire, accompanied by three conversions from fly half Dan Evans, meant that Dinas Powis led by 26-13 at this stage.

In truth three of these tries were scored from deep within the visitors own half, and the home-side was enjoying the majority of possession.

The exciting three-quarters were starved of quality ball but forceful running by centres Ciaran Driscoll and Sonny Driscoll, supplemented by the power of right wing Sean O'Brien, belied this situation.

The second half saw the home-side gain the upper hand in the forwards and they scored 17 unanswered points.

The character of the ‘Villagers’ was shown by their resilience and a stunning break by Ciaran Driscoll from his own try line allowed him to pass to scrum half Nathan Williams on half way.

Williams raced away from the covering defenders and with nine minutes remaining the visitors led by 30-31.

The home-side never again looked like scoring a try in the face of brave defence from the youthful Dinas side, however a penalty was conceded and converted and the home side ran out 33-31 winners.

Next week the ‘Villagers’ return to the common where the play host to Cowbridge RFC.

In contrast to the disappointment of the 1st XV the Dinas Dingos (2nd XV) were away to Llandaff North 2nds in the quarter finals of the East District Cup.

Tries from Luke Collard (2), Mike Smith, Mark Good (2), James Smith and Nick Vagges, together with conversions and a penalty by Rhys Williams saw them progress to the semis with a 5-35 victory over the hosts.

Next week the Dingos are back in competition action against Llandaff at Bryn y Don as they look progress in the Mallet Cup.

T H Jones