Dinas Powys celebrated a once-in-a-generation achievement on Saturday with a remarkable league hat-trick for one of its most popular players.

Simon Wilton took three wickets in three balls for the third XI away at Cynon Valley’s first team, a feat scarcely seen on the local cricket circuit.

Having entered the attack in the latter overs of the Cynon innings, few could have imagined the drama that followed.

Wilton started by delivering a straight one that trapped the batsman plumb in front of his stumps.

A sharp stumping by none other than Wilton’s brother Miles brought him his second wicket, leaving a nerve-jangling third in the wily spinner’s sights.

Fortunately, Wilton, affectionately nicknamed ‘Mavis’ owing to his uncanny resemblance to the fabled Coronation Street character, didn’t disappoint and tossed one up looking for the big shot.

And the Cynon number 10 took the bait, trying to crunch the Dinas destroyer through mid-wicket.

A top edge lobbed high into the air to Jabir Kerris at short extra cover, who had the weight of a club on his shoulders as he waited nervously to pouch the hat-trick ball.

The rest, as they say, is history and ‘Mavis’ had done it, a wonderful performance that will live long in the memory of all fortunate enough to bear witness.

But wild scenes of jubilation on the field were nothing compared to the adulation the now legendary Dinas offie received on his return to the Common a few short hours later.

And with that, Wilton could rest safe in the knowledge that he will go down in Dinas folklore as one of only a handful of bowlers to achieve such a milestone for the club.

The result of the game itself wasn’t quite so positive, however, as the thirds went down by 26 runs in pursuit of Cynon’s 182-9, having been bowled out for 156.

A slow, damp wicket put paid to any match-winning batting performances, as only Rob Tucker (46) and George Eralil (37) really threatened to take the Villagers home.

In the field, Dinas shared the wickets to fall, although Kerris (3-8) and man of the moment Wilton 3-26 did the most damage.

Unfortunately for the Villagers, there was no better news across the rest of the club, as both the firsts and seconds fell to disappointing defeats.

Batting first, the first XI were bowled out for 138 by Croesyceiliog Seconds, with Olly Hurley (30) and Stuart Jones (27) the Dinas mainstays.

In response, Croesy spluttered their way to the target for the loss of seven wickets, with Dinas battling hard for an unlikely victory.

Jones (3-33) and the returning Casey Hughes (3-26) were the pick of the Dinas bowlers.

At Bryn-y-Don, Dinas Seconds succumbed to top-of-the-table St Fagans Thirds, having failed to defend 155.

In truth, the scoreline could have been worse but for important contributions from Ryan Herbert (34) and Aled Lewis (65), whose valiant efforts were ultimately in vain.

St Fagans won with relative ease, chasing down the Dinas total for the loss of just two wickets inside 32 overs.

A club clean-sweep was completed on Sunday, when Gregg Heathfield finally got his tenure as captain under way after numerous fits and starts with defeat against Barry Wanderers.

However, an enjoyable game was had by all and with a number of new faces taking to the field, Heathfield’s healthy pool of players continues to grow.

Another busy week of cricket awaits Dinas Powys with fixtures for junior, midweek, men’s and women’s elevens.

The club would like to thank its main sponsors for their continued support – Robertsons Solicitors, A2Z Taxis, Mortgage Hub Expert Ltd, Keyif, Barry Bear Bakery, Beth Price Hairstylist, The Cross Keys and Catch & Despatch.