HISTORY was made on Monday night when Dinas Powys Cricket Club picked up its first junior silverware this decade.

As reported in the Penarth Times last week, the club’s U13s scooped top prize in the Cardiff Indoor League – beating the likes of Newport, Cowbridge and the capital along the way.

Fittingly, the eagerly-anticipated presentation evening was held at Sophia Gardens – the Villagers' venue for a staggering seven wins from seven.

Hundreds gathered in the long room of The Really Welsh Pavilion, but there were few prouder than the Dinas Powys elect, who took up large swathes of a capacity crowd.

Lead coach Geoff Marlow, who has been with the side for some six or seven years, spoke highly of the blossoming boys who claimed what they deserved after a thrilling campaign.

The future has never looked brighter for Dinas Powys, and the club is in safe hands.

Winning captain Matthew Todd-Bennett picked up the team trophy, to erase all memory of a narrow cup final defeat in the summer.

The skipper, who played well throughout, is lucky to have such a fantastic group of youngsters who are a credit to themselves and their club.

Sam Marlow, Will Hume, Connor Hetherton, Tom Brookfield, Josh Clogg, Daniel Lewis and Rhys Harlin all picked up individual awards that were well-deserved. Keir McInery also played his part, but was unable to attend.

Not fazed by international and county opposition, the team batted off everyone they came up against to put Dinas Powys Cricket Club firmly on the Welsh map.

The Villagers knocked several sporting powerhouses off their perch en route to victory – a feat recognised by Monday night’s guest speakers and a gathering of generous mums and dads.

Peter Edwards, cricket in the community coordinator, said a last-ball win over their nearest challengers proved decisive.

"The key game as it turned out, took place in week two, when a very committed Dinas Powys side sprinted home to victory over a very strong Newport side," he said.

"Dinas Powys were not one of the fancied sides, but from day one they showed team spirit of the highest order and should be congratulated on their achievement."

The Memory Lane Cakes competition attracted 24 teams across three different age groups.

Dinas Powys contributed two sides a week, and although Huw Lloyd’s battling Under-11s found the going tough against top opposition, they received special praise form league organisers for their conduct and unrivalled team spirit.

Proud DPCC chairman Simon Hiscocks said: "This is an outstanding achievement which caps a great year for the U13s and all juniors – Dinas Powys Cricket Club is back on the map!"

Visit www.dinaspowyscc.co.uk for more information.