Sport

Low key end to season for Centurions

Glamorgan Star news 30/08/2022

3 minutes read

SPORT | Cricket – Low key end to season for Centurions:

It was a poor end to the league season for Sully Centurions with both sides losing.

The First XI hosted Miskin Manor Seconds at Burnham Avenue on another hot day. The visitors won the toss and elected to bat. A good decision as openers Jenkins and Hart shared a partnership of 78 – Jenkins falling to a caught and bowled by Gethin Hicks. It was soon 85 for 2 when Nicky Jones trapped Hart lbw for 31. Then Harvey and Daxesh steadied the ship with a 33-run stand before Lloyd Bruce had Harvey caught by Jones for 25.

Another 35-run partnership between Daxesh and Hughes came to an end when Hughes was caught by Bruce off the bowling of Griffett for 12. The fine innings of Daxesh came to an end after he had hit 81, caught by Rhett Jones off the bowling of Dave Goodway after a stand of 78 with Sullivan. These partnerships saw Miskin finish on a formidable 258 for 5.

In reply, Centurions had an early problem when the normally reliable Goodway was out lbw for 6 in the third over. Ricki Griffett was next, bowled by Wilkins for 19. The free-scoring Rhett Jones fell to Malik in the 16th over after hitting 44 runs. After another four overs, Hicks had scored 17 when he was caught and bowled by Hughes. Wickets then began falling regularly and in spite of a gutsy 17 from Chris Coles at the tail end, the innings came to an end in the 36th over with Sully still 104 runs adrift.

Sully Centurions 154 all out Miskin Manor 258 for 5

The Second XI travelled to Whitchurch to play Whitchurch Heath Third XI with a depleted side, due to availability issues. Sully were grateful to Taw CC for the loan of two players to make up the 11. Even so, there were four players over 60 in the side. Skipper Dan Merchant won the toss and decided to bat. Merchant and Jason Hicks put on 16 for the first wicket when Merchant fell to Hopcraft for 5. Alex Kelsey joined Hicks and the pair had put on 30 when Hicks was caught off Sewell for 17.

Herbie Miller joined the fray and played a fine innings, supporting the aggressive Kelsey – they had put on 80 before Miller was out for 22 in the 31st over. Kelsey finally went for a well-made 78 three overs later, with the score on 144 for 5. Sree Reddivari hit an entertaining 23 and his fellow loanee Srinivas added 15 at the end to take Centurions to 184 for 7 after the allotted 40 overs.

After tea, the Whitchurch opening pair, Coombs and Hazel, had reached 28 when Sri bowled Hazell for 8. However, a second wicket stand of 60 put the home side right back in contention (Dan Merchant had Coombs stumped by Paul Harrison for 33 in the 25th over.) Two half centuries – 53 for Shaw and 58 for Jepson – swung the game firmly towards Whitchurch, as Centurions struggled in the heat. The target was reached with three overs to go, with Sully’s best bowling figures being three wickets for 34 from loanee Sri.

Whitchurch Heath 187 for 4 Sully Centurions II 184 for 7

Sully Centurions are grateful to our sponsors, United Worldwide Logistics and Whitchurch Builders Suppliers, as well as our match ball sponsors Jamie Spry (Ice Creams) and kit suppliers Classic Sportswear.

Although the league season is now over, Sully Centurions have a special match this Saturday. Last season one of the Centurions players, Maqsood Anwar, tragically collapsed and died whilst playing for the club. On Saturday, Sully will face a side made up from Maqsood’s friends and family in a memorial match. There will also be a collection for Calon Hearts, the organisation that supplies defibrillators and provides training in their use. A barbeque will be held, as well as some fun activities for children, including a bouncy castle. All are welcome to come along and enjoy the day, as well as paying tribute to Maqsood.

Recently the club held a social evening and barbecue. The BBQ food was supplied by Farmer’s Pantry, Penarth. The photograph above shows club chairman David Sylvester with Louis from the Farmer’s Pantry.