DINTON hosted Redlynch and Hale thirds on Saturday knowing only a win would be good enough to keep their promotion aspirations on track, writes RICH CRIDGE.

Before the game a minutes silence was held to remember Frank Coombes who sadly passed away in the week.

Frank served Dinton Cricket Club for over 50 years. As captain he led the club to their first league title in 1989.

In later years he held the post of chairman. Frank will be fondly remembered by all at the club and the wide local cricketing community.

Pictured are his sons Ben Coombes (left) and Matt Coombes (right) in-between them on the stump is Frank’s hat that he used to wear while watching them.

they put this by the side of the pitch Saturday as a mark of respect.

Dinton won the toss and decided to bat on a pitch that had been greened up by heavy rain.

Run scoring was a tricky business early on as the visiting bowlers found condition helpful.

Dinton's opening pair of Ben Coombes and Tom Patrick weathered the storm to build a solid platform for the innings. At drinks they were 76 without loss.

The pair took their stand over the hundred mark and were finally parted in the 28th over when Patrick was bowled by Ian Dixon (2-49) for a personal highest score of 77 with the team score on 130.

Ben was then joined by his brother Matt Coombes and given the platform that had built were able to play with a little more freedom.

The pair advanced the score on to 177 before Ben was dismissed for a well-constructed 82 being superbly caught by acting skipper Ian Coffin off Mick Wright (1-30).

The home side closed their innings on 205-3 Matt Coombes finishing 25 not out.

After tea, Redlynch found the going just as tough and found it difficult to keep pace with the required run rate.

Although Dinton struggled to take wickets. It was not until the ninth over that the first one fell. Graham Smith (15) being caught off the bowling of Tony Leyland (1-13) with the score on 28.

By drinks, the visitors had moved on to 56 and as a contest the match was all but over.

However, Dinton were keen to take further wickets and with them all important bonus points.

It was the introduction of spinner Simon Rawlins that saw the wickets fall, as he put in a solid eight over spell taking 3-32.

Two direct hit runs out fitting effect by each of the Coombes brothers helped the causes.

Dinton's skipper Rich Cridge (2-11) brought himself back on taking two further wickets as Redlynch closed their innings on 119-8.

Colin Everleigh top scoring with 38 and Dixon (15) anchored the start.

Dinton compiling a comfortable 86 run victory a perform Frank would been proud off.

Next week, Dinton hop from the Nadder Valley to the Wylye Valley to take on Steeple Langford seconds hoping to keep their promotion chase on track.