DINAS Powys first XI's topsy turvy season continued as they were defeated away at Vale CC on Saturday.

On a gorgeous day some eyebrows were raised when skipper Lewis Clarke won the toss and elected to field. Vale posted 236-7 in their 45 overs, with Josh Clogg the pick of the bowlers returning 4-44, with Ryan Todd taking 2-32. Chasing what looked a perfectly gettable target proved beyond the Villagers as despite the best efforts opener Gordon Hannah's valiant solo 88, no-one could stay with him, Dinas finally being all out for 194 in the last over.

The second XI entertained high flying Barry Athletic at Bryn y Don. Skipper Andy won the toss and chose to bat. Despite losing DiMauro early Kyle Hughes and Jack Preston starting to make inroads into the Barry attack, before Preston fell for a decent 36. As the Villagers pressed on, the Barry bowling began to fade in the sun, and the middle order all contributed with captain Ford making 22, Miles Wilton 32 and Simon Hiscocks 33. It was Hughes though who anchored the innings and he went to a week deserved maiden ton with a six in the final over to finish unbeaten on 101, having taken the total to an imposing 281-7.

The two's weakness has been their ability to take wickets, but Ollie Coughtrey struck early with a beautiful in-swinger and Reuben Mitchell also took an early wicket. Athletic's Ashley Baker though wasn't in any mood to be dominated and took the attack to Dinas scoring freely and quickly at 117-2 off about only 12 overs, some doubts may have started to creep in, but today the twos showed mettle and patience. Catches were held and wickets were chipped away at the other end, piling more and more pressure onto Baker. Eventually he holed out off Ryan Mullins for a strong 87 and the game was all but over. Veteran spinner Ian Coughtrey then wrapped up the tail with a superb spell of flight and guile finishing with 4-17. It was a strong performance with everyone contributing to a well deserved win.

The threes entertained Llantwit Fadre on the Common. Captain Gareth Storey lost the toss and found his team fielding. Some tight bowling restricted Fadre to 131-8 off their 40 overs with John Clogg taking 2-8 and Stuart Jones 2-6. In reply Dinas openers Simon Westphal with an unbeaten 68 and Rob Ticket (38) all but wrapped up the match, with Alun Harris making 26 to see it home by nine wickets.

On Sunday a Dinas Powys XI travelled to the island to play Barry West End in a friendly. Despite losing on a gloriously hot day, there were two notable things to report. Firstly Jack Houghton got a maiden ton for the club, and (now) occasional player Pete Colley took his 100th wicket for the club. Congratulations to them both.

Next Saturday

First XI home v Barry Wanderers (1pm Bryn y Don)

Second XI away v Gymkhana

Third XI away v Lisvane4ths