AFTER winning all four of their league games over the Bank Holiday weekend, the Dinas Powys Cricket Club Villagers repeated the feat last Saturday with three out of three.

Dinas' 1st XI travelled the short distance to Vale Cricket Club in Corntown and a picturesque ground on a sun laden day. Vale won the toss on a flat track and promptly batted.

Opening bowlers Bussell and Clarke started well and steady with Bussell snaring a LBW early on. The introduction of spin with Fernando bowling a tight line excellently supported by the ever improving Alex Vowles held the Vale charge up with both claiming a wicket apiece.

Vale's skipper got a well played 50 before being bowled by the returning Clarke, whilst a wicket for Zaman and a 3-45 by Saj Ali restricted Vale to a below par 211-8 off their 45 overs.

After tea, Dinas openers Hannah and Todd-Bennet barely got out of the hutch before MTB spooned one to point. Asad Rizvi trying to continue his excellent form managed 15 before miss-timing one to mid-off. Captain Lewis Clarke came and went LBW and Dinas looked vulnerable on 42-3.

Vice captain Jeff Mitchell (14) and Matt Bloxham (19) made handy contributions but at 94-5, Dinas again were under the cosh. Fernando joined Hannah who was calmly going about his business to put on a brilliant century stand. By the time Fernando was out for 29, Gordon Hannah (115) had made a sparkling match winning century.

Dinas winning by three wickets, on 212-7 in the 43rd over.

Two wins out of two and next stop a home match against Monmouth.

The 2nd XI cheered by two wins over the Bank Holiday weekend welcomed rivals Sully Centurions 2nds to park Bryn y Don.

Batting first the Villagers reached 139 for the loss of just one wicket before DiMauro went for a fine 64. He’ll be disappointed though that he couldn’t convert his third half century in as many weeks into something bigger.

Jack Preston took over when DiMauro went, punishing anything wayward in a fine 73, before a quick fire 23 from skipper Harries, enabled Josh Clogg (61) and Andy Smith (29) to see the team to a very respectable 287-5.

With usual tea lady Ruth Clogg away, Trish Ford stepped up to the plate admirably. Although veteran Dave Sylvester went second ball, any thoughts of an easy victory over a largely youthful Sully side soon vanished as their opener Ben Spear lashed the ball to all parts in rapid 81, with runs coming too fast for Dinas’ liking.

However, they stuck at it, and it was the introduction of spin that did the damage as Rhys Lloyd induced Spear into one big shot too many, safely pushed by DiMauro in the boundary.

Despite some stubborn resistance from the Centurions late middle order, Dinas wrapped things up in the 40th over with Sully all out for 210, some 77 runs short, Ollie Coughtrey taking 3-29 and Upinder Singh 3-39.

The 3rd XI made the long trip to Ferndale to take on Christchurch. The home side batted first but could only muster 107 all out, with Ian “Venos” Coughtrey doing most of the damage with his flighted spine taking 4-30 and a couple apiece for Richard Bean and Reuben Mitchell.

Again, what looked like an easy win was made very hard as the Dinas batters failed to stick at the crease, and at 25-4 and then at 73-5 at drinks, things must have been a little nervy. However, Dinas stalwart Geoff Colley guided the team home by four wickets.

Another fine weekend for Dinas Powys Cricket Club. The 1st XI are second in their division, the 2nds top their table, and the 3rds sit in a healthy fifth spot.

Next Saturday’s matches:

First XI (home) v Monmouth, Bryn y Don 1pm

Second XI (away) v Croesyceiliog

Third XI (home) v Brynmawr II, Common 1pm