WITH all three Dinas Powys Cricket Club league sides in action on Saturday, much was expected, but little delivered, although things improved on Sunday.

The Firsts travelled to bottom-of-the-table Llantwit Fardre looking for a win to keep promotion in their sights and, batting first, racked up 282 for seven, with Gordon Hannah (98) falling just short of a century and being ably supported by Matt Todd-Bennett who hit a superb 76.

In reply, a light drizzle set in early in the Fardre innings, but the teams played on. However, after almost 90 overs in the day and, with Dinas in a strong position, the rain finally won and the skippers shook hands with Fardre at 151 for seven. A very disappointing end to a long afternoon.

The Seconds fell to a strong Pontymister. Batting first, Dinas were in trouble at 57 for four, but recovered to 176 for eight mainly thanks due to a fine 2nd XI debut half century from young Sam Marlow.

It never looked like being enough, though, and Pontymister took little time in knocking off the runs for the loss of five wickets.

Unfortunately, the Thirds also had a bad day at the office when, entertaining Cynon Valley on The Common, they were dismissed for a dismal 71.

Cynon Valley, who had lost earlier in the season to Dinas, extracted full revenge, knocking off the runs for just one wicket down before tea.

On Sunday the Seconds played the second match of a double header weekend, with Rogerstone the visitors to Bryn-y-Don. Having been humbled away at Rogerstone earlier in the season, a tough match was expected, but the visitors, batting first, were in early trouble after three quick wickets from Piddock, Ali and Hiscocks. However, they then started to take the game away from Dinas with some big hitting. The main protagonist was eventually out and, though they never quite gave it everything by taking advantage of their wickets in hand, they managed a respectable 191 for four. Best bowling for Dinas was Nathan Piddock with one for 23.

After a fine tea, courtesy of stand in 'tea-meister' Triffa Ford, Dinas went about the chase and openers Lloyd DiMauro and Matt Todd-Bennett looked in little trouble until the former went courtesy of a great caught and bowled. Unfortunately, Marlow was unable to repeat the form of the previous day's innings as he popped one to short cover but Piddock joined Todd-Bennett and, untroubled, they took the score to within 20 runs or so of victory. Both passed 50, punishing any bad balls, before Todd-Bennett fell for a fine 73. Young Jack Thomas joined Piddock, and, whilst the latter was happy to pick off the runs in singles, JT had obviously decided he wanted to get home in time to see the World Cup final and finished the match with a four over wide midwicket.

Piddock finished unbeaten on 60 as Dinas eased home by seven wickets with overs to spare.

The club thanks Burnett Davies with Easton for their support.

Forthcoming fixtures: Saturday, July 19 - Firsts v Gymkhana (1pm, Bryn-y-Don), Seconds v Sully Centurions (away) and Thirds v St Fagans IV (1.30pm, Common); Sunday, July 20 - Dinas Powys v Steward's XI (2pm, Common 2pm); Monday, July 21 - U11s v Sully (6pm, Common) and Tuesday, July 22 - Midweek XI v Myocardials (away).