FLINT 14
DINBYCH 2NDS 9
BATTLING Dinbych gained a valuable losing bonus point from their rearranged Division Four fixture against Flint.
However, captain Richard Brady was disappointed that his side did not take the full four points on offer for a win.
Dinbych started strongly and dominated the scrums in the first half.
The home side, who had looked so composed on their visit to Dinbych a few weeks previously, were unable to find any rhythm.
Some fine tactical kicking by centre Dion Howatson kept Flint pegged back in their 22 for much of the first period.
They repeatedly infringed in defence and Dinbych were awarded three penalty kicks in quick succession. Howatson converted all three with the pick being a long-range effort from 30 metres out.
His efforts took the visitors into the interval with a good 9-0 advantage.
Flint came out fighting for the second half and started to test the Dinbych defence.
Their back row threatened with some bullocking runs and Dinbych were guilty of poor tackling as they failed to get low enough to bring their opponents down.
Those defensive failings cost the Denbighshire side dearly as Flint soon got on the scoresheet with a converted try.
With three quarters of the game gone, Flint scored the decisive second try.
It came from a strong run from their flanker, assisted by some weak defence.
The conversion brought the score to 14-9 in favour of the home side and that was how it remained at the final whistle.
Dinbych will take heart from a much-improved performance. Dion Howatson showed he is back to full fitness and full back Dan O’Sullivan was imperious under the high ball.
Dinbych: O’Sullivan, Perkins, Davies, D Howatson, Hodgkinson, Edwards, Brady, Williams, Cain, Roberts, Gemmill, Sellers, Jones, B Rowlands, T Rowlands. Replacements: Evans, Y Howatson, Morgan, Lowe