AFTER a week when it seemed that both Sully Centurions’ teams would be short of players, due to injury and unavailability, both sides pulled out all the stops to register victories.
The First XI, with three second team regulars playing, hosted Pentyrch at Burnham Avenue. Fielding first, Centurions weathered an early storm, as the visitors reached 50 before Tom Davies had former Centurion Steve Hood caught for 22. He was followed by opening partners Johns, who was bowled by Zahir Razaq with the score on 62.
Then there followed a procession of wickets, with three more wickets falling in the space of 30 runs. A late rally, led by Dabson, who hit a half century, gave Pentyrch some hope, but the final score of 185-8 was definitely one that Sully knew was in reach. For Centurions, Jake Griffett and Kapil Rokad, with two wickets each, took the bowling honours.
In reply, Centurions got off to the worst possible start, losing Rhett Jones for just two. However, Shae Ellis (49) and Ricki Griffett (45) got Sully back on track, putting on a century for the second wicket. Jake Griffett (20) and Shan Rehman (40) continued the impressive batting performance. Both remained unbeaten as the target was reached with nine overs remaining.
Sully Centurions 186-3, Pentyrch 185-8.
The Seconds, with a couple of loan players, continued their march at the top of the table with a big win at Rogerstone. Batting first on a rock-hard pitch the two openers, Basil John and Sonu, took advantage of the conditions and some wayward bowling. It looked as though they were going to be there for some time until Basil holed out for 20 (having hit five straight fours).
However, support from loanees Lokesh and Raju helped Sonu eventually reach his hundred in the 23rd over. After he departed, the mantle was taken up by skipper Zia Gehlan and Jag Gorsia. They both reached unbeaten half centuries to take Centurions up to a huge 360 for 6. For the home side, Geo, with 2-50, was the most successful of the Rogerstone attack.
After tea, Zia struck early to dismiss Babu for a duck. His second wicket came at 39 when he bowled Geo for 15. After another wicket fell on 71, with Das having Woolmerons caught behind for 27. But if Centurions thought it was going to be plain sailing they were mistaken. Trinder and Tutton dug deep to bring some stability to the run chase. After getting their bearings, runs began to flow, with both players finding the boundary regularly.
Sully were grateful to have posted such a big score, as the fourth-wicket partnership took the hosts to 227 when Tutton was run out for 61, with just two overs left. Trinder remained unbeaten and finished on a highly creditable 88, as they ended on 247-4. This cements Centurions as league leaders with just four matches remaining.
Rogerstone II 247-4, Sully Centurions 360-8
This Saturday sees the First XI travel to Abergavenny while the Seconds play Lisvane at Sully. Sully Centurions CC are grateful to our sponsors GMB and Dudden Law, along with match ball sponsors Holton Road Post Office.
MF
News, Letters, Sport and advertising are welcomed by the Glamorgan Star – the largest newspaper or magazine in the Vale of Glamorgan. Contact us today here.
Pencoed tangled up by ‘Seaweeds’
Primary school’s former deputy head is banned from teaching
I make no apologies for calling Plaid Cymru ‘separatists’
‘The importance of participation and continued learning’
Opposition leaders clash with First Minister over independence rally
How Kevin saved a stranger’s life
j
⭐ All of our social media in one handy place – here
