Sport

Mixed fortunes for Centurions’ cricket teams

Glamorgan Star news 18/07/2022

3 minutes read

Mixed fortunes for Centurions’ cricket teams:

SPORT | Cricket

It was another day of mixed fortunes for Sully Centurions, as the weather was once again a big talking point (this time in the form of a heatwave.)

Batting first against visitors Cardiff III, the First XI got off to a great start as opening pair Ricki Griffett and Gethin Hicks shared a century partnership, before Hicks was caught off the bowling of Sheikh for 30. As is often the case, when a big partnership is broken the second partner soon falls as well. Griffett followed shortly after, bowled by Phillips for a great 69, an innings that included 11 fours.

Then a stand of 50 between Tom Davies and Lloyd Bruce took the score along to 158 before skipper Bruce fell, again to Phillips, for 24. Then a classic middle order wobble saw three wickets fall with the score on 163 – all to the bowling of the prolific Phillips. But Rhett Jones found the bowling to his liking and hit 50. Gabe Howard also hit some valuable late runs, finishing on 31 not out as the innings closed on 259

Phillips, who took a remarkable 7 for 44, was the outstanding bowler for Cardiff.

In reply, there was another big opening stand, with Rickets and Good hitting 120 before Good was caught by Howard for 66 in the 18th over. Rickets was providing the anchor role as his partners came and went, all adding runs. He eventually went for 66, with 192 on the board – caught behind by Adam Gilliatt, the first of two wickets for Shae Ellis.

Meggit was run out for 45, with the score on 237 for 6, with two overs remaining. The runs kept coming, though and the tension was mounting as the visitors entered the final over. With two balls remaining Cardiff required four runs to win, but Watson hit a six to secure the victory with just one ball left.

For Centurions, Shae Ellis (2-56) and Ricki Griffett (2-45) were the wicket takers, with the other two coming form run outs.

Sully Centurions 259 all out, Cardiff III 262 for 6

Seconds win again

The Second XI went to Blackweir to face high flying Bay Dragons, hoping to continue their winning streak.

After losing the toss, Centurions were put in to bat and openers Rukshan Silva and Jason Hicks put on 47 for the first wicket, with Rukshan falling for 17. After losing a couple of wickets, Sully were back on track with Vasant hitting an entertaining 63 and with the score on 188 for 7 there was time for some late order heroics Zia Gehlan (18) and Paul Harrison (10 not out) ensured that a defendable total of 226 for 9 was posted. Atul (3-28) and Pyar (2-22) were the stand-out bowlers for Dragons.

The home side had a disastrous start to their reply, finding themselves two wickets down with only 8 runs on the board, Zia and Harish (courtesy of a catch from Vasant) being the successful bowlers. But Akhil and Naril (38) put on 68 for the third wicket to get the run chase back on track. Akhil eventually went for 40 before falling to a catch from Harrison off the bowling of Nick Jones. Dipesh, who scored 30, was the next to fall, with the score on 141, with Tej Vaghani being the bowler. The Sully attack kept the pressure on and wickets began to fall again, with the last wicket falling on 181, in the 29^th over.

The top bowling figures of 3-37 were by Tej Vaghani, with two each for Harish and Vasant. With Hicks, Zia and Jones also getting in on the act with one apiece.

Less than a month ago the Second XI were bottom of the division. Now, after three wins on the bounce, they have climbed to fifth place.

Bay Dragons 181 all out, Sully Centurions II 226-9

Sully Centurions are grateful to our sponsors, United Worldwide Logistics and Whitchurch Builders Suppliers, as well as our match ball sponsors 8-2-8 Village Shop, Sully and kit suppliers Classic Sportswear.

This weekend the First XI travel to Crumlin while the Second XI take on Penarth at Burnham Avenue.