AFTER the opening weekend's league fixtures were completely washed out, it looked like things were heading the same way last Saturday when the Dinas Powys CC 1st XI and 3rd XI league matches were called off.

Dinas’ new covers did their job though and saved the day at Bryn y Don where a strong looking 2nd XI hosted Newport Fugitives 2nds.

The Fugies batted first and got to 198 all out, probably 30 or so more than they should have thanks to some profligacy in the field and dropped catches.

Dinas bowler Saaj Ali also had to go to hospital for five stitches after split webbing in his hand as he tried to take a catch. Pick of the Dinas bowlers was Upinder Singh with 5-14, with Ali taking 2-26 before his injury and a wicket apiece for Bradley, Lloyd and Tudor.

The chase from Dinas got off to a shaky start with Ian Southwell given leg before wicket early on, but Brychan Tudor and the returning Curtis Wingren got to grips (eventually) and steadied the ship, taking the score to 83 before Wingren missed a straight one having been positive for his 42.

At the half-way stage, Dinas were well placed at 96 for two, and the Tudor and club chairman Jason Harries moved the score onto 142 with Tudor making a solid half century before the new slim line Harries departed on 36 looking for a big shot in the 32nd over.

At that stage, Dinas still had seven wickets and 13 overs in hand to get the remaining 57 runs and should have been odds on, but the middle order failed to accelerate, and were bogged down by tight Fugies bowling.

With overs running out fast, the attempt to up the rate came, probably too late, and only resulted in a flurry of wickets. Ali bravely went out to bat despite his damaged hand, but went cheaply.

With 18 needed off the last over, a six from Singh raised brief hopes, but the Fugies held on to win by six runs, Dinas ending on nine down.

So an opening defeat for the 2nds which should really have been a victory. Let’s hope next week brings more cheer, and indeed, more cricket with the 1sts and 3rds keen to start their season.

On Sunday DPCC travelled to Caerphilly for a friendly against S Wales Sri Lankans. Fielding first the Sri Lankans were dismissed for 114 with Joe Beames taking 3-20, Alex Vowles 2-9 and U15 Nathan Waite 2-15. Miles Wilton bagged three catches and a stumping.

In reply, DPCC got the runs for the loss of just three wickets, with Wingren 42 (again) and DiMauro 37 the main run scorers.

Dinas Powys CC would like to thank to Knightsbridge Financial Management for their continued support of the club.

Fixtures Saturday, May 16:

1sts (H) v Monkswood 1pm

2nds (A) v Pontymister 12:30pm

3rds (H) v Sully Spartans 1pm