Yesterday, 9th August, Dinas 1sts travelled to play unbeaten Ely Valley, looking to build on their recent double success over Ystradfechan, and despite winning on three rinks were left frustrated to come away having suffered a narrow four shot, 75-79 defeat.
Dinas started in positive mood, and after seven ends were very much in the game, trailing by seven shots overall, 21-28 with little between any of the rinks, with Alex Meddins' rink holding a 9-6 lead.
Over the next seven ends, whilst three rinks continued to be closely fought, unfortunately Mike Ackland's rink had something of a torrid time, dropping 10 shots, as home skip Mike Prosser took full advantage and Ely Valley moved out at 17 shots in front.
At this stage Dinas needed a boost, and on the 15th end it came in the shape of Chris Blake's rink picking up an excellent six and Alex Meddins' rink a well deserved five, and with it the complexion of the match changed as the gap was suddenly reduced. The remainder of the game was 'nip and tuck' with each turnover counting as fortunes swung.
Meddin's rink went well throughout, posting an 11 shot victory, whilst Blake's rink finished strongly turning a 9-13 deficit into a five shot, 22-17 win. Captain Ritchie Janes meanwhile was personally having a cracking afternoon, dragging his rink over the finishing line by one shot at 16-15.
Sadly Ackland's rink were having one of those afternoons to forget and were unable to stem the tide, eventually going down by 21 shots to leave Dinas just short.
C.Parsons, T.Hurcom, C.Todd, A.Meddins (26-15) D.Vowles, C.Scott, A.Harvey, C.Blake (22-17) J.Coles, P.Marks, G.Griffiths, R.Janes (16-15) D.Parker, J.Ackland, H.Meddins, M.Ackland (11-32)
The PG2 team were hosting Llanbradach, and with rain interruptions the match was reduced to 18 ends. Dinas started strongly, with Alun Jones' rink holding a 10-2 lead, and Chris Bates rink leading 8-2 after six ends. Indeed by the half way stage Dinas looked to be in a strong position, being in front on three of the four rinks and holding a 12 shot advantage overall.
Chris Bates rink, of Mark Diment, newcomer Terry Nurse and Martin Seaford went on post a very satisfying 11 shot, 21-10 win and they were followed by Andre Desrosier, who in a tight encounter registered a single on the last end to edge home 19-18.
Regrettably Jones' rink, who had been so strong over the first 10 ends, fell apart over the last eight, dropping 21 shots, turning a 10 shot 15-5 lead into an eight shot 18-26 defeat, and with Peter Critcher's rink, despite a strong finish, going down by nine Dinas fell five short, losing 75-80 having seemingly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory!!
To compound a miserable afternoon an opportunist thief stole one of the home teams cars from the adjoining car park, smashing the barrier post en route to his getaway. One can only hope this miscreant is swiftly apprehended by the police and suitable justice is served.
R.Diment, J.Follon, D.Ireland, A.Desrosier (19-18) P.Hanley, G.Leach, G.White, A.Jones (18-26) M.Diment, T.Nurse, M.Seaford, C.Bates (21-10) D.James, P.Hufton, N.Giles, P.Critcher (17-26)