Dinas Powys faced a tough test against top-of-the-table Llantrisant in the Admiral National League Division 3 East Central.
Dinas Powys 7 - Llantrisant 38
This match at The Common was a real test against top-of-the-table Llantrisant who, earlier in the season, put Dinas to the sword 76-5 with a clinical display of rugby.
With several squad players unavailable, the onus was on a much-changed side, but Dinas started in positive style, putting in hit after hit and giving the visitors no time to set anything up. Dinas were turning over ball and forcing mistakes from Llantrisant, allowing Tim Stout, in his first outing at 10 to move them out of danger.
Strong carrying from Gareth Cross, Jac Huggins, Lewis Christopher and Cory Imperato saw Dinas getting into the Llantrisant 22 several times. Connor Coyle, Owen Buckley and man-of-the-match Lewis Christopher caused no end of trouble in the loose with hard-hitting tackles and lineout steals.
But Dinas couldn’t supply the finishing touch, and Llantrisant went in at the interval 12-0 ahead.
The second half started with Dinas throwing it around and centres Evan Phillips and Tyler Reinholdt running hard lines, being supported by Ellis O’Grady at 15. Two hard carries, and a slick move in the backs, put Brett Jewel away in the corner, Stout converting.
More opportunities came both teams’ way, but the sharpness of Llantrisant saw them add 26 points in the half.
An entertaining game for the spectators, was head coach John Dimond’s opinion. “Even though score doesn’t reflect it, this was a top end performance and it felt more like a win at the end,” he said. “If we sharpen up a few bits this young side will be trouble for any team going forward.”
*Before the match a minute’s silence was observed for the mother of Dinas stalwart John Dunleavy, who died recently, and Llantrisant player Jake Rees, who died suddenly last week.
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