With an injury ravaged squad plus absentees Dinas Powys CC did remarkably well to get three teams on the pitch on Saturday.

The 1sts travelled to Monkswood, knowing a win would probably lift them out of the relegation zone.

They bowled Monkswood out for 204 and would have been quietly confident of kicking off the runs.

Reuben Mitchell and under the weather Stuart Jones both took 3 wickets apiece.

Alas it was not to be. At 147-4 things looked to be going the Villagers way, but an unfortunate run-out put them on the back foot, and they ended up an agonising 6 runs short on 198 all out.

The 2nds took on local rivals Barry Athletic at Bryn y Don. Dinas batted first on a pitch that looked good, and Aled Lewis and Alun Harris quickly proved it so as they put on a century opening partnership.

Harris was the first out for a patient 59. Wickets came and went but Lewis stayed focused, and with some support from Olly Coughtrey reached a fine century.

He then accelerated with support from Red Todd-Bennett, only to be out off the penultimate ball of the innings for a magnificent 119.

The Villagers ended on 224-5.

After tea, Coughtrey snapped up the wicket of Barry's dangerous opener fairly early.

Barry stabilised but an inspired spell of 4-24 from Richie Morgan (the man on the telly) undid Barry.

Richie was peeling of his jumper for the next over on a 5-fer and hat trick when the skipper told him he was off.

As a captain you have to make some tough calls! Barry reached 196 before the final wicket fell, giving Dinas victory by 28 runs.

The 3rd entertained Monmouth 2nds on the Common.

The visitors made 158-8 with Dinas youngsters Will McConkey (3-27) and Olly Hurley (3-42) doing the damage.

In response, the Villagers fell just short on 147 all out, with runs for Olly Hurley (36), a hobbling Geoff Colley (30) and Andy Hurley (27).

Next Saturday's games:

• 1sts v Barry Athletic (Bryn y Don) 12.30pm

• 2nds v Penarth III away

• 3rds v Creigiau (SUNDAY, away)

Photo: Dinas 2nd XI player Aled Lewis on his way to a fine 119