Dinas Powis RFC 43 Cowbridge RFC 3

THE ‘Villagers’ returned to winning ways with a seven try victory over a dogged and resolute Cowbridge side.

The visitors provided stern opposition throughout the contest and they enjoyed the majority of territory and possession in the opening 40 minutes.

The first half hour saw little action of note as both packs struggled for supremacy and the visitors took the lead through a penalty kick.

The home-side were stung into action and scored three tries in the remaining 10 minutes of the first half.

A powerful surge by skipper Josh Dunleavy from the base of a dominant scrum allowed flanker Matt Williams to cross for the first try of the contest.

The second try was added almost immediately as centre Sonny Driscoll burst across the gain line and ran over 30 metres to cross the whitewash.

The home-side was rampant and powerful running by centre Ciaran Driscoll allowed scrum half Nathan Williams to cross for a fine team try.

All three tries were converted by fly half Dan Evans and at the midway point the ‘Villagers’ led by 21-3.

An all important bonus point was secured within two minutes of the restart as Nathan Williams sniped from the base of a scrum before providing the scoring pass to fullback Jim Wiltshire.

Dinas scored a further three tries in the second half, with Sonny Driscoll scoring his second try and the impressive left wing Rhys Evans scoring a brace of tries in the final five minutes of the contest.

The game saw fine performances from 1st XV debutant Huw Thomas, and a man-of-the-match performance from loose head prop Tyler O’Connell, who in the final minute of the game chased down and caught the Cowbridge right wing.

This determination to prevent the visitors from scoring a try exemplified the spirit that has been shown by this young team throughout the season.

A thumping victory gained from a disjointed performance that will allow coach John Dunleavy plenty to focus on in training leading up to the visit of neighbours Old Penarthians to the Common on Saturday, March 7.