Sully Centurions Seconds show how it’s done

3 minutes read

Sully Centurions Second team. (Photographed earlier this season).

A repeat of last week for Sully Centurions. The First XI narrowly lost at Monkswood and the Second XI won against neighbours, Barry Wanderers.

At Monkswood, stand-in skipper Lloyd Bruce opted to bowl first, and, when Watkins was bowled by Razzaq for 11, the decision looked to have been justified. However, Mike and Mark Jones then shared a second wicket stand of 74, before Mike was caught off the bowling of Harri Edwards for 46.

There then followed another half century partnership – between Mark Jones and skipper Matt Malson, that put the home side in the driving seat, as both batsmen eventually passed 50. Mark Jones was eventually run out for 54, while Malson fell to Nick Jones for 53. Some late wickets gave Sully some hope, but number 7 batsman Webb hit a rapid 26 (including four fours and a six) to keep the pressure on Centurions.

Webb fell on the last ball of the innings to Razzaq, with the score on 229 for 7. For Sully, Jake Griffett (2-45) and Zahid Razzaq (2-28) were the pick of the bowlers, although Bruce’s 0-25 off 8 overs is worth a mention. It has to be said that some dropped catches and byes didn’t help the cause.

In reply, Centurions got off to the worst possible start, losing Bruce in the first over, then Kieron Ferriday falling for 21, with 45 on the board. But Gethin Hicks and Jake Griffett soon got in their stride, with boundaries coming thick and fast. A partnership of 109 was brought to an end when Jake was caught for 43, off the bowling of Trumper.

Gethin finally fell for a well-made 72 and this was the beginning of the end. Shae Ellis (20) Tom Davies (18 not out) and Harri Edwards (14 not out) all contributed at the end, but Sully finished 10 runs short of the target.

Monkswood 229-7, Sully Centurions 219-5

The Seconds took on Barry Wanderers at Burnham Avenue and were soon in a bit of trouble, with three wickets lost for 45. But opener Gurwinder ‘Sonu’ Singh, was keeping the scoreboard ticking over nicely. He eventually fell with the score on 119, contributing 56 runs to that. Dinesh (21) and Kapil Rokad (30) kept up the momentum and soon the 200 mark was reached, with the help of a good 30 from Imran Ahmed. The final score of 224-8 seemed ok, but not unassailable. Omar and Dranfield, with three wickets each were standout bowlers for Wanderers.

After tea, Wanderers were unable to get into their stride as the wickets began to tumble. Thanks to two wickets each for Amrik and Shan Rehman, along with a run out, courtesy of skipper Zia Gehlan, the visitors found themselves on 23-5. Then a half century partnership between Hamid and Safal, followed by another 50 runs from Safal and Saneesh, helped get Wanderers back on track. But the last few wickets went cheaply, ending well short of the target. For Sully, the wickets were shared around, two apiece for Amrik, Shan and Vasant, as well as two runouts via Zia.

Hamid (39) Safal (32) and Saneesh (29) were the main contributors for Wanderers. This victory takes Centurions to first place in the division.

Sully Centurions II 224-8, Barry Wanderers 148 all out

This Saturday sees another local derby, with the First XI making the short trip to Barry Island to play Barry Athletic, while the seconds host Glangrwyney at Burnham Avenue. Sully Centurions Cricket Club are grateful for the support of our sponsors GMB and Dudden Law, as well as our match ball sponsors JJP.

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