Dinas Powys put in a positive and spirited team performance to defeat Merthyr West End on Saturday, 13th June, to record their second consecutive PG1 league victory of the season.
The game started in dry, if overcast conditions, and the early exchanges, as expected were closely fought. Indeed after seven ends had been played it was the visitors who held a slight two shot advantage at 23-25, this despite Mike Ackland's rink getting off to a flying start and being 10-3 in front.
The middle third of the game was evenly shared with both teams collecting 22 shots and Merthyr holding on to their slender lead at 45-47, with the rinks shared at two apiece, with the visitors seemingly in a position of strength and holding a 5-15 advantage on Rink 3.
Around this time, as the weather conditions changed and rain came down, so the whole momentum of the game shifted and Dinas took control.
Ritchie Janes' four registered 16 shots to four, including two fives, over the final third to romp home decisive 30-14 winners against Welsh Open Winner Craig Maycock's rink. Alex Meddins rink meanwhile won six of their last seven ends, scoring 13 shots to two, to follow Janes into the clubhouse at 25-13.
Dinas welcomed back skip Chris Blake from his honeymoon and his quartet, trailing 5-18 after 16 ends, pulled off a fantastic comeback to score four on the last end to level matters at 19 all, to grab a precious extra point for the home side.
Sadly Ackland's rink, after such a bright start were unable to maintain the momentum and against the unhurried Huw Davies, who played very well for the visitors, were last to leave the green, going down 15-22.
Over the final third of the match Dinas nearly doubled their score, picking up 44 shots to Merthyr's 21 to finish victors by a clear 21 shot margin, bagging 11 points. After the match team captain Dave Parker was delighted with the team spirit and commitment of his men who have started the league campaign in positive fashion, with two wins from two.
Parker will no doubt hope his charges can build further momentum when they host Lougher next Saturday, 20th June, in the 1st knockout round of this seasons Carruthers shield.
M.Gershenson, A.Harvey, P.Critcher, A.Meddins (25-13) D.Parker, A.Hodges, C.Parsons, C.Blake (19-19) J.Coles, D.Vowles, C.Ackland, R.Janes (30-14) J.Ackland, T.Hurcom, G.Griffiths, M.Ackland (15-22)