Dinas Powis RFC dominate to remain top of the division

THE ‘Villagers’ of Dinas Powys maintained their position at the top of their division with a seven try victory away to Canton RFC.

All seven tries were scored by the three quarters, emphasising the style of rugby encouraged by head coach John Dunleavy, however the normally clinical backline squandered many scoring opportunities through over-elaboration and uncharacteristically poor decision making.

The game was played on a firm pitch in bright spring sunshine and a strong breeze favouring the side playing towards the Cardiff City stadium, former home of the Blues.

The visitors started encouragingly and soon opened the scoring with a stunning individual try from Sonny Driscoll; the powerful centre outstripping the defence from his own half of the pitch.

Dinas were playing with intent and determination, and looking to score as many tries as possible. With this in mind, a long clearance kick by the home fly half that, with a favourable wind, seemed destined to run harmlessly over the dead ball line hit the post and left full back Sean O'Brien with no option but to run out from this position.

The Dinas player was chased and caught by the opposition and was adjudged to have failed to released the ball at the tackle, thus conceding the penalty that was to provide the only points for the home side during the contest.

The visitors’ lead was soon extended as good lineout ball was carried by abrasive centre David Lloyd who crashed downfield. The ball was moved sweetly to left wing James Smith who used his blistering pace on an ideal surface to score in the corner.

A third try followed quickly as excellent interplay between forwards and backs saw Lloyd cause havoc for the home defence once again before he distributed the ball to his captain and number eight Josh Dunleavy who in turn transferred to his fellow forward and brother Lewis Dunleavy. A sleight of hand saw the ball make its way magically to scrum half Nathan Williams on a superb angle to cross for the third try.

The fourth try and all important bonus point was scored a few minutes later as second row Lewys John won the ball at an opposition line out deep within his own half.

The powerful and able forward charged his way through the home defence and the resulting ruck yielded quick ball.

Centre Sonny Driscoll scythed onwards through the opposing players, drawing their fullback and providing the room for James Smith to cross for his second try of the afternoon. With the bonus point secured within half an hour and three of these tries converted by fly half Gavin Cooper, the half-time score saw the visitors lead by 26-3.

The second half saw the ‘Villagers’ dominate possession through the hard work of their forwards. They were in complete control of the scrum and the teenage loose head prop Caleb Robinson belied his youthfulness with a destructive scrummaging performance.

His fellow front-rowers, Andrew O’Mallia at tight head and veteran hooker Nick Vagges, put in fine performances and provided a plethora of quality ball for their three quarters.

Three further tries in the second half saw right wing Rhys Evans, full back Sean O'Brien and scrum half Nathan Williams all added to their tally for the season, and with two conversions the final score progressed to 3-45.