Centurions get season off to strong start with friendly rout (From Penarth Times)

Centurions get season off to strong start with friendly rout

SULLY Centurions' new season got under way last Sunday with a friendly against Blackwood at Sully, made possible by the superb efforts of groundsman Don Sylvester who worked all morning to make sure the ground was playable.

Centurions batted first on the customary early slow wicket but some useful early season form saw runs flow freely after the loss of skipper Jamie Sylvester who misjudged a straight ball to be bowled for 5.

Reardon Smith 21, Ryan Sylvester 54, Mike Newbold 50 and Mike O'Shea 23 all looked in good form as Centurions posted a very big score of 223-7 at the end of their allocated 40 overs.

Blackwood never really got going as Dave Eskins winter break at the Cwm Talwg seemed to have worked wonders for him as he took the first three wickets for just 11 runs off 11 overs.

Young Gareth Sullivan, who certainly looks as though this could be the season he bursts on to the scene, also claimed three wickets.

Skipper Sylvester got in on the act with his customary three, and Blackwood were all out for just 71, with only Davies 27 showing any real resistance.

Centurions 223-7. R Sylvester 54, M Newbold 50, M O'Shea 23, L Smith 20.

Blackwood 71 all out. S Davies 27. D Eskins 3-11, J Sylvester 3-8, G Sullivan 3-18.

TEAMS

Centurions continue their build-up to the season with two friendly games this weekend, against Aberdare on Saturday, and Glamorgan Academy on Sunday, both at Sully.

The club is looking for new members to play in the 3rd and 4th XVs. Contact Dave Sylvester, evenings on tel 029 2053 0896.

Team for Saturday v Aberdare, meet 12.30pm: D W Sylvester, R Sylvester, D Eskins, D P Sylvester, S Davies, T Williams, D Goodway, I Thickpenny, M Thomas, G Dodd, C Bruce, L Coslett, R Galliford, P Rose, D Fiddler.

Team for Sunday v Glamorgan Academy, meet 12 noon: J Sylvester, R Sylvester, D Eskins, M O'Shea, L Smith, T Williams, H Williams, O Lovering, M Rushbrook, G Sullivan, N Gage.