By John Guy

DINAS Powys Cricket Club endured a bruising weekend as two disappointing defeats for its First and Third elevens derailed hopes of promotion.

In a top of the table clash away at Cardiff’s Diamond Ground, a favourable toss proved decisive as Dinas Firsts were skittled for 101 on a green wicket offering plenty for the bowlers.

The writing was on the wall once Gordon Hannah had departed in the first over for the 19th ‘ball of the century’ this season, and the Villagers never recovered, losing wickets at regular intervals.

Only Stuart Jones (28) and Simon Le Good (14) spent any meaningful time in the middle as Dinas struggled into three figures, which ended up being no match for their hosts Cardiff Thirds, who finished the job inside 23 overs.

Cardiff’s 102-2 was particularly damaging to the visitors, who could only muster one bowling and one batting point in defeat.

Jones and Gihan Fernando (2-16) were the pick of the bowlers, albeit eyebrows were raised that hardened opener Ken Barlow was overlooked on a swing-friendly track promising helpful seam assistance.

Ken’s reluctance to regale in tales of the day’s events at the clubhouse afterwards was a sure sign of his undoubted disappointment.

There was no better news for Dinas Thirds, however, who returned to said clubhouse deflated after a narrow defeat away at Croesyceiliog Thirds.

Having restricted their opponents to 129-8 off their allotted 40 overs, Dinas would have fancied their chances – but were left to rue the unavailability of one or two stalwart batsmen.

Nathan ‘I’m out for the season’ Waite bowled a tidy spell of 8 overs, and there were wickets for Nigel Preece (3), Gareth Story and Hywel Owen (2 apiece).

But in response, Dinas could only muster 93, with Niles Wilton (18), Preece (15) and Lazarus (11) the only batters to make double figures.

A ‘dirty hoik’ (his words, not mine) across the line did for the improving Mave Wilton, who could only add 2 to his season’s best tally of league runs.

Defeat by 36 runs leaves the Threes 9 points from the promotion places.

Saturday’s only solace came in the shape of a thumping win for DPCC Seconds, who beat Monkswood Twos by 8 wickets.

Batting first with 9 men, the visitors dug in stoically before succumbing to some impressive straight bowling.

Olly Coughtrey (0-13) and Richard Morgan (1-28) each bowled 8 overs straight through during a welcome return to form, while the Seconds’ go-to man Upinder Singh was on the money yet again, with figures of 8-0-19-1.

Bryn Fogden picked up a tidy wicket through the gate with possibly the only ball that turned all day, and it was left to Third Team reject Lewis Clarke to finish off the tail, with a slightly fortuitous 5-25.

Having found his line and length on the field, it appeared that Clarke later lost his wallet off it, in the ultimate demonstration of jug avoidance.

Meanwhile, the Dinas run-chase was all over in less than 15 overs, with Lloyd DiMauro (40) falling shortly before the end in an otherwise faultless batting display.

Nathan Bennett was the foremost destroyer in the home side’s 126-2, bludgeoning 69no in next to no time to see Dinas home to a comfortable victory.

A resounding win takes the pressure off the Seconds after a questionable performance thoroughly enjoyed by all at Blackwood.

This week sees Dinas First XI host Machen Firsts, the Seconds travel to Creigiau Twos, and the Thirds entertain their counterparts from Sudbrook.

• The club would like to draw attention to our forthcoming charity match in memory of club stalwart Peter Colley.

Please join us on the Common from 1pm on Saturday, July 31 to celebrate Pete’s life and raise money for Marie Curie.