Three out of four for Centurions
7:10am Thursday 4th September 2008
WHAT A week in the history of Sully Centurions. After the horrendous weather they actually managed to play four games, winning three and losing one.
On Saturday the 1st XI travelled to Bridgend for a vital Premier League game and with only three games to go they could not afford to slip up.
On arrival an inspection of the pitch, which was really unplayable because of the wet conditions, revealed that the toss was vital, and to Centurions'
delight Captain Ryan Sylvester won it and had no hesitation in putting the home side in to bat.
Centurions' success soon began as Bridgend crumbled on a pitch where runs were almost impossible, and the first three batsmen were back in the pavilion with only 7 runs on the board and 9 overs bowled.
Andrew Davies claimed the wickets of Humphreys, O'Shea and Brown and only a stand of 22 between Dalton and Bushell held Sully up, but at 29 the floodgates opened again as Jamie Sylvester took 3 wickets in the space of 16 runs, Dalton, Bushell and Jewell his victims.
He then had Cutter lbw and the home side were in disarray at 58-7. Lloyd Smith got in on the act when he caught and bowled Rusell for 0, and Evison and Terry Williams wrapped things up with only Morris 19 showing any real resistance as the home side were out for a feeble 81.
Centurions' reply got off to an excellent start with 40 runs being added for the first wicket but even then perhaps the foot was off the pedal and some strange umpiring decisions produced a major collapse.
Ryan Sylvester was bowled by former Centurions and Glamorgan player Mike O'Shea for 19 as he became his first victim in a spell of 6-25. Lloyd Smith went for 8, Langworth for 0 at 67, Jamie Sylvester was lbw for a fighting 14 in the 20th over, Sullivan went lbw for 4, a very dubious decision, and Andrew Davies was caught for 12 when the scores were level.
Centurions ground out a vital 4 wicket win.
Bridgend 81 all out. S Morris 19 not out. J Sylvester 4-25, A Davies 3-19.
Centurions 82-6. R Sylvester 19, J Sylvester 12, A Davies 12. M O'Shea 6-25.
SECONDS
The 2nd XI entertained Bridgend in the reverse fixture at Sully and what a difference in the conditions. Despite the soft outfield the investment the club has made in new covers this season provided a hard wicket even after the wettest August on record.
Sam Docherty made his debut as Captain, won the toss and asked the visitors to bat. Huw Williams opened the bowling and produced a superb spell as his first 7 overs went for just 13 runs.
Bridgend made steady progress but at 26 Hughes was caught behind by Docherty off the bowling of Williams for 14.
It was not until the introduction of the flamboyant Rhett Jones that Sully gained their second success as he bowled James for 8 with the score on 49.
Then came a stand of 36 between the stubborn Bunston and Cadogan but at 85 a sharp bit of work by Ellis ran out Cadogan for 20 and 6 runs later Bunston was bowled by the impressive Jones.
At 91-4 in the 32nd over Centurions had a tight grip on the game but a fine 64 run partnership by Collier 44 not out and Smith 31 gave the visitors a reasonable total. Despite 2 more wickets by Williams Bridgend reached 170-6 at the end of their overs.
Centurions reply saw a stuttering start, losing Smith for 1 and Docherty for 4, but a stand of 61 between Jones and Davies turned the game Sully's way.
Jones, who was having a fine afternoon, fell 2 runs short of a deserved 50 and with the score on 86 Davies went for a steady 26 at 103.
Bruce and man of the match Huw Williams added 43 runs before Bruce was caught for 22. Sullivan was bowled for 6, Ellis stumped for 1, but Williams with a fine 32 not out and Bennett who hoisted one to the long-off boundary for 6 saw Centurions home to an excellent victory on probably the hottest day of the summer.
Bridgend 170-6. S Collier 44 not out, D Smith 31, A Bunston 27. H Williams 3-22, R Jones 3-28.
Centurions 172-7. R Jones 48, H Williams 32 not out, S Davies 26, C Bruce 22.
THIRDS
The 3rd XI entertained Whitchurch Heath with the venue having to be changed from Wenvoe to Rhoose. The club is grateful to the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Adam Sargent and Lawrence for hastily making Rhoose playable and it paid off as Centurions recorded a 52 run victory.
Centurions batted first and although they lost an early wicket Don Sylvester dug in for 19, young Adam Gilliatt, who is improving every season, scored 12 and Aled Edwards 29, as the main contributors in a useful total of 123-8.
Whitchurch Heath were never at the races and Ben Callow with 4 wickets, continued his education and once again showed his improvement this season.
Only Williams with 21 showed resistance as the visitors were bowled out for 71.
Centurions 123-8. E Edwards 29, D P Sylvester 19. Hopecraft 3-19.
Whitchurch Heath 71 all out. T Williams 21. B Callow 4-17.
FOURTHS
The 4th XI finished their season with a 5 wicket defeat at Whitchurch on a difficult pitch. N Cudihy continued his good season with 19 runs and 2 wickets.
Centurions were 107 all out and Whitchurch reached their target for the loss of 5 wickets.
Both the 3rd XI and the 4th XI have now completed their league fixtures but there are friendlies throughout September. All players will be informed of fixtures, or contact Dave Sylvester on 029 20530896.
FIXTURES
This Saturday it is first against second as Centurions entertain Pentyrch.
Any one of four clubs can still snatch the title in the final two weeks, so why not watch Sully, 12.30pm start.
TEAMS
1st XI v Pentyrch: R Sylvester, J Sylvester, L Smith, J Langworth, O Lovering, D Eskins, T Williams, T Evison, G Sullivan, S Hood, A Davies.
2nd XI v Pentyrch, away: M Thomas, S Docherty, H Williams, R Jones, S Davies, C Bruce, I Bennett, P Holstrom, S Ellis, A Smith, L Bruce, D W Sylvester, O Sullivan.
3rd XI, friendly, tba. Ring David Sylvester.
Sunday, Sully v Abercynon, 12.30pm. Side to be informed.