WITH only three matches remaining, Sully Centurions CC needed to win this clash with bottom club Ebbw Vale if they were to have any chance of survival. In the end they won by 9 wickets, thanks to a fine display from all of the bowlers and another 50 from Jake Griffett.

On winning the toss he home skipper Lloyd Bruce had no hesitation in putting the visitors in to bat on a day that was overcast and a pitch that was drying out from overnight rain. All of the bowlers responded superbly, with wickets being shared around - two each for Griffett, Bruce and Tom Edwards and three for Nathan Cuddihy. A special mention must go to young Adam Sylvester who bowled 6 overs, including 3 maidens, taking one wicket for just 7 runs. The Ebbw Vale innings came to a close on 85 all out with 13 overs still remaining. Only 3 of the visiting batsmen made it into double figures, with Blake (15) top scoring.

After tea, Centurions' opening pair of Griffett (52 not out) and Edwards (23) rose to the challenge, putting on 53 for the first wicket. Griffett was then joined by Pavel (3 not out) to steer the home side to victory in the 15th over.

With a visit to fellow strugglers Creigiau next week, Centurions are still in with a fighting chance to avoid the drop. It's going to be tense finale to the season for this young side.

Sully Centurions 86 for 1 Ebbw Vale 85 all out

Second XI

The seconds travelled to top of the table Tondu and although they were beaten, it was game played in great spirit. Once again some key players were missing due to various other commitments, but the Sully side battled well in a game that was reduced to 34 overs due to a delayed start after some recent rain.

Batting first on a damp pitch, Centurions made slow progress, with veteran Dave Sylvester and young Tom Pascoe – opening for the first time for the second XI - unable to get on top of the bowling in the early overs. However, as the game progressed, Pascoe found more openings and made steady progress towards his first ever senior half century. Unfortunately no other Sully player could match this performance and the innings finished on just 79 for 8, with three ducks.

After tea, the home side was soon into their stride, with opener Gregory leading the way with an unbeaten 52. Emma Davies once again bowled well, but for no reward. With only two wickets falling (one each for Jo Hayer and Tom Pascoe) Tondu reached the target in the 21st over.

Tondu II 80 for 2 Sully Centurions II 79 for 8

Good Natured Friendly at Hayes Point

On Sunday a hastily arranged friendly at neighbours Barry Wanderers’ Hayes Point ground saw Centurions lose by 40 runs. Wanderers batted first and openers Jade Goodwin and Peter Coleman put on 126 for the first wicket, when Coleman was bowled by Shae Ellis for 23. His young partner went on to make a fine 85 before he was stumped by Jake Griffett off the bowling of Dave Sylvester. This was after a cameo appearance by Jade’s father, Glamorgan’s Zimbabwean international cricketer Murray Goodwin, who had made just 4 when Jo Hayer caught him off the bowling of Ellis. Andy Fenton took a liking to the alleged spin of Sylvester and Mick Fisher, hitting 5 sixes in a whirlwind 37 before attempting one big hit too many and was caught on the boundary by Owain Sullivan off Fisher. The home side finished their 40 overs on 233 for 5.

After a nice tea Centurions made a disastrous start, with Sullivan falling LBW for a duck. Lloyd Bruce and Griffett added 34 before Bruce departed for 11. No fewer than 4 run outs contributed to Sully’s downfall. First Griffett went for 36, then Ellis for 44. David Goodway battled on for a half century, but he was caught off young Watkins, trying to move the score along. Jo Hayer attempted to run down the pitch to Goodwin but was well out of his ground as the keeper took the bails off. Tom Pascoe became the 3rd run out victim, leaving the score on 158 for 7. The final run out was that of Mick Fisher, who appeared to be treading water, going for an easy second run and was the victim of a direct hit, to leave Centurions on 193 all out.

All in all a great game of cricket, which was played in a friendly atmosphere.

Barry Wanderers 233 for 5 Sully Centurions 193 all out

Saturday’s Teams

1st XI vs Creigiaiu (away) - Meet at the Sully Inn at 11.00am

(From) L Bruce, B Spear, N Cuddihy, J Griffett, A Sylvester, O Sullivan, Quasi Ferdouz, S Ellis, T Davies, S Tarbaiz, Haris Binikram, N Jones

2nd XI vs Creigiau (home) - Meet at the ground at 11.45am

(From) DW Sylvester, J Pascoe, J Hayer, R Bennett, R Griffett, L Pyke, E Davies, H Edwards, H Miller, M Burnett, L Burnett, S Morse, M Fisher, M Khan, L Doel, T Williams, G Hicks, J Bassi