LAST Saturday saw only one of three league matches played by Dinas Powys Cricket Club as the 1st XI game away at Machen, and the 3rd XI game away at Hopkinstown were both called off early morning due to waterlogged pitches.

There were no such problems at Parc Bryn y Don, where the 2nd XI took on a decent Malpas side.

After a delayed started for a short period of drizzle which reduced the match to an agreed 40 overs a side, Malpas had first use of the wicket. The Malpas innings was summed up in three stages.

They set off at a rate of knots, with Dinas unable to stem the flow or take wickets, and looked to be heading to a score well in excess of 200. Although Reuben Mitchell took a wicket, it was the introduction of slow spin from the wily Ian "Venos" Coughtrey that turned the tide in the home sides favour as he winkled out three of the Malpas batters.

But just when it looked like control had been regained Malpas put on another spurt and reached a level 200 - 8 at the close, Richard Bean taking a wicket off the final ball of the innings, safely pouched by Gareth Storey on the boundary to secure a valuable extra point.

After tea, Lloyd DiMauro and Sam Marlow set off in pursuit of a very reachable target, needing five an over. However, Malpas bowlers were disciplined and runs were hard to come by.

Dinas slowly fell behind the rate, but crucially kept all wickets intact. Marlow was the first to fall with the score on 63, with the rate rising towards nine an over.

Preston stuck with DiMauro for 20 or so runs before being undone by spin, caught on his crease and going LBW.

At 103 - 2 after 27 overs an injection of pace was needed, and was ably supplied by skipper Jason Harries who took the attack to Malpas. However one big shot too many left Dinas at 132 - 3 needing 69 off 10.

DiMauro was still there and although Colley went cheaply, a good partnership with Miles Wilton saw the home side almost there.

DiMauro was now taking control and although Wilton went late on, DiMauro hit the winning runs with an over to go, finishing on an excellent unbeaten 92.

It was a great win against a good Malpas side, played in the right spirit.

Next Saturday's League fixtures:

First XI home v Llantwit Fadre (Bryn y Don 1pm)

Second XI away v Cardiff Gymkhana

Third XI home v Sully Spartans (Common 1pm)