DESPITE an epic fightback by their bowlers, Sully Centurions Cricket Club 1st XI lost an exciting encounter against Brecon at Burnham Avenue.

Batting first, Sully lost several early wickets and were on 37 for five in the 12th over. But some fine batting by Tom Edwards (36) and newcomer Haris Binikram (30) gave the home score some respectability. Nathan Cuddihy, with a cameo eight not out at the end, helped take the score to 126 all out in the 49th over. Williams, with a marvellous six for 19, and Phillips (3-15) did the damage for Brecon.

The Brecon innings started shakily, with skipper Lloyd Bruce removing Webber for just four with the score on 11. This was followed by Adam Sylvester trapping Kenchington lbw for one with just three more runs added. However, a couple of decent stands for the third and fourth wickets helped the visitors to stay on top.Opener Smith continued to play his shots and was always a danger and, by the time Edwards had taken the second of his two wickets, Brecon had reached 78 for four and looked to be cruising to victory. However, a quickly flurry of wickets, courtesy of Nick Jones (3-22) and Pavel (1-32) had Brecon reeling. But there was no final breakthrough and it was fitting that Smith, who carried his bat for 52, should hit the winning run.

Despite the defeat, the young Centurions team can take heart from a strong display and the way in which they refused to give in.

SULLY CENTURIONS 1st XI: 126 all out (T Edwards 36, H Binikram 30; Williams 6-19)

BRECON: 129-8 (Smith 52no; N Jones 3-22)

Centurions' Seconds made the short journey to Dinas Powys with only nine men and were on the end of a hiding by nine wickets.

Losing the toss, Centurions batted on a damp wicket. This was to prove crucial as wickets fell regularly, with only veteran skipper Dave Sylvester reaching double figures as the hosts pressed home their advantage. Sylvester was last man out on 17 when the innings ended on a paltry 51. The wickets were shared, with Clogg (2-8) and Mitchell (2-2) the pick of the attack.

The Dinas innings got off to a slow start, with Joe Hayer and Reece Bennett bowling a tight line. The former made the breakthrough, having Dimarov caught by Luke Bennett for just two with the score on four. Both bowlers plugged away but, with just a small score to defend, and big gaps in the field because of the two-player shortage, it was an uphill struggle. Bennett could count himself unfortunate not to have any victims as he beat the bat several times with no luck.

Dinas took just 14 overs to reach the target.

SULLY CENTURIONS 2nd XI: 51 (D W Sylvester 17; Mitchell 2-2, Clogg 2-8)

DINAS POWYS 2nd XI: 57-1

WEEKEND TEAMS

1st XI v Pontymister (Saturday, away; leave at 11.30am): L Bruce, Pavel, Harris, B Jones, J Griffett, B Spear, T Edwards T Davies, A Sylvester, N Cuddihy and O'Sullivan.

2nd XI v Pontymister (Saturday, home, 12.15pm): From D W Sylvester, L Bennett, R Bennett, J Hayer, T Pascoe, D Chalk, P Harrison, P Barnett, R Griffett, S Morse, H Miller, H Edwards, L Pike and M Hayes. Match ball sponsor - R K Jones.

Sunday XI: D P Sylvester (capt), M Fisher, J T Sylvester, A Emyr, L Bruce, N Cuddihy, B Spear, J Griffett, R Griffett, N Jones, T Davies, T Edwards, A Sylvester and A Lewis.