SPORT: Griffett blitz sets up nail-biting win for Centurions Seconds

Glamorgan Star news 19/06/2023

3 minutes read

THE Sully Centurions First XI faced Llandaff at Llandaff Fields on Saturday (17th June) and lost a close match by two wickets.

Once again, player availability was an issue and several Second XI regulars were drafted in to bolster the ranks. After winning the toss and opting to bat, skipper David Goodway and Tom Davies took the score to 37 when Davies fell to Ahmad for 24. After Gethin Hicks went for just one, Goodway was run out for 24, with the score on 66.

Rush went on the same score and seven runs later, Lloyd Bruce fell for six, leaving Centurions on 73 for 5, with Rehman responsible for three wickets. A spirited stand between Nick Jones (18) and Ben Spear (27) gave Sully some hope. However, wickets kept falling although runs from Harish (18) and Bharat (21) helped the visitors to 175 all out.

Rehman (4 for 28) and Raja (2-22) were the pick of the Llandaff bowlers.

After tea, the home side’s reply went much the same as Sully’s, with wickets falling regularly. Azmat was caught behind off the bowling of Goodway for four and former Centurion Ranpreet had reached 29 when he fell to a Goodway catch off Nick Jones with the score on 35. Five runs later Muhammad Khan was run out after reaching five. But Naeem Khan steadied the ship with an impressive innings that saw Llandaff’s fortunes improve. Although wickets were still falling, he managed to keep his head and got them over the line for the loss of 8 wickets. Khan’s 68 not out was the top score of the day.

For Sully, Goodway (3-25) and Jones (2-34) returned the best figures, with one wicket each for Bruce and Harish.

Llandaff 176-8, Sully Centurions 175 all out.

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THE Second XI hosted Pontnewynydd at Burnham Avenue and won a thrilling encounter in the final over.

The visitors batted first and made steady progress until the loss of Geraint Jones for 10, being caught by Lane off Jake Griffett in the 10th over. Barnsley was next to go – caught behind off the bowling of Rukshan, with the score having reached 52. Nasir, who hit 53, Zafar (37) and Abid (36) all helped push the score along and, with Pinecha (26) and Rhodri Jones (13) still at the crease after the 40 overs were completed, the total 253 of 7 looked a formidable one. Rukshan (2-65) and Jag (3-50) were the main wicket takers, with one each for Griffett and skipper Dan Merchant.

In reply, Zia was the first to go, falling in the fourth over for 10. But Griffett and Merchant then put on an amazing 120 in 17 overs, with Jake hitting a century, including sixteen fours and five sixes. Merchant was next to go, with the score on 146. But two quick wickets meant 146 for 2 became 148 for 4. Jake’s innings ending when he was caught for 118 off the bowling of Jones. Hopes were revived with a half century partnership between Alex Kelsey (34) and Herbie Miller (17) before the loss of another pair of wickets. Following the departure of Jeevan for 11, the last wicket pair of Paul Harrison and Jag came together with Centurions still requiring 10 runs for victory. A nervous last over saw Harrison keeping his nerve, with the winning runs coming from the penultimate ball, courtesy of one of his trademark sweeps for a four.

A thrilling end to a highly entertaining match.

Sully Centurions II 236-9, Pontnewynydd 235-7

Sully Centurions are grateful to match ball sponsors Ches Van Hire.

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This weekend the 1st XI are at home to Whitchurch Heath, while the 2nds travel to play Miskin 3rd XI.

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