Sully Seconds pile on the runs to clinch title

Glamorgan Star news 24/08/2026

3 minutes read

SULLY Centurions First XI, on the crest of a wave after three straight victories, came crashing down to earth after a heavy defeat at Pontymister & Cross Keys.

On another day of poor availability, Centurions took to the field with only 10 men. Pontymister batted first on a rock-hard pitch and were soon in the runs. Batt and Ali shared an opening stand of 104 before Harish had Ali trapped lbw for 49. Coincidentally, Batt also went for 49, when he was run out with the score on 139.

Ajmal, who had entered the fray after the first wicket, was showing some deft touches as he got to grips with the Centurions’ attack. He held the innings together as Sully began to fight their way back into the match. After the home side had reached 211 for 4, Sully’s hard work in the field began to pay off, with another five wickets falling for just 13 runs, including two more runouts. The last pair of Jones and Ahmed managed to hang on, allowing Pontymister to finish on 228-9. Ajmal finished as top scorer with 70. Lloyd Bruce (3-48) and Jake Griffett (2-41) were the pick of the Sully bowlers.

After tea, openers Gethin Hicks and Kieran Ferriday had reached 20 when Hicks was bowled for 13, with the score on 20. Ferriday was joined by Shae Ellis and they put another 27 on the board before Ellis was caught behind for 12. Ferriday was joined by skipper Ricki Griffett, and they shared a half century partnership. They were looking strong until Griffett was bowled for seven.

In a carbon copy of the Pontymister innings, this triggered a collapse, with wickets tumbling in quick succession. The last six wickets fell for 28 runs, leaving Centurions well short of the target. Kieran Ferriday (54) was Sully’s batting hero, with Batt (4-19) taking the bowling honours for Pontymister.

Pontymister and CrossKeys 228-9, Sully Centurions 131 all out

In contrast, the Second XI game at home to Pontnewynydd turned into a celebration as they confirmed their position as Division 8 champions.

Batting first, Centurions reached 73 before Sonu was dismissed for 36. Opening partner, Rhett Jones continued finding the boundary and piling up the runs. He shared another half century stand with Basil John (27) and then a magnificent 164-run partnership with Shan Rehman before departing for 144, with the score on 299. The run-fest continued, with Shan reaching 85, sharing a half century partnership with Imran Ahmed (27). Centurions finished on a huge 367-7.

Given the occasion, it was imperative that Sully emerged with 12 points to secure the championship this week, rather than have to go to the last game next week. However, Pontnewynydd were not going to roll over. Geraint Jones and Rhodri Jones took advantage of the good batting conditions and were soon in the runs. Unfortunately, Rhodri had to retire hurt after reaching 60.

Geraint was joined by Matthews and the pair had took the total along to 182 when Basil John took what was to be the only wicket when he bowled Jones for 110. Matthews was joined by Barnsley and they also put together a big partnership as the rotation of the bowlers commenced. In all, nine bowlers were used, as skipper Zia Gehlan took advantage of the huge first innings total to allow some of the lesser-used bowlers to have a go. The game finished with the visitors reaching 291-1 (a total that would have been a winning score in most other circumstances).

Sully Centurions II 367-7, Pontnewynydd 291-1

This weekend sees the final fixtures of the season, with the First XI hosting Monkswood at Burnham Avenue, while the 2nd XI travel down the road for the local derby at Barry Wanderers. Sully Centurions are grateful to our sponsors, GMB and Dudden Law.

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