Controversial Cup defeat for Centurions (From Penarth Times)

Controversial Cup defeat for Centurions

7:10am Thursday 2nd July 2009

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ON A GLORIOUS day at Sully last Saturday, Centurions produced a performance to match when, batting first, they added 80 runs for the first wicket through Ryan and Billy, before skipper Billy was caught behind for 25.

At long last, after an enforced rest and a lapse in form, Ryan, backed by the flamboyant Lloyd Smith, produced a scintillating stand of 133 runs before Lloyd was caught for a fine 73.

Ryan powered on and scored a magnificent 129, showing that he is returning to his best. The score was 253 when he was bowled and Centurions were on their way to a mammoth score.

Andrew Davies and the consistent Reddy never looked in trouble as they added 46 runs for the 4th wicket. Davies was caught for 22 and Reddy finished 23 not out as Sully posted a massive 303-4 from their allocated overs.

Croesyceiliog, even with Glamorgan's Will Bragg in their line-up, were never at the races as Centurions bowlers took wickets at regular intervals.

The dangerous Baloch was first to go at 33, caught by Reddy off Ryan Sylvester, then he also claimed the wicket of Bragg, caught behind by the impressive Owain Lovering.

Wickets tumbled as Croesyceiliog were bowled out for 136, Reddy completing a fine afternoon with 4-21.

Centurions 303-4. R Sylvester 125, L Smith 73. M Beecham 3-56.

Croesyceiliog 136 all out. W Bragg 23. R Reddy 4-21, A Davies 2-18, R Sylvester 2-18.

CUP DEFEAT

Sunday was another glorious day but it turned out to be a controversial day as Centurions visited the lovely Bath Cricket Ground for a place in the last 16 of the National Knockout Cup.

Centurions' travelling supporters - and there were plenty of them - had to endure a decision by the umpires at the end of the game which gave victory to the home side.

They awarded Bath 6 penalty runs, deciding that Centurions had exceeded the time allowed to bowl their overs by one minute.

There were two incidents - the ball being lost for upwards of 4 minutes and Ian Nicholson having to change his boots due to them breaking while he was bowling - but the umpires allowed only two minutes for them.

On top of this there was an unfortunate accident to a Bath player which saw him taken to hospital with a suspected broken ankle. Fortunately it turned out to be a very bad sprain and Centurions wish him a speedy recovery.

Centurions have also appealed to the ECB over the eligibility of Bath's 12th man, and await the outcome.

Centurions batted first and made a disastrous start, losing both Ryan Sylvester and Lloyd Smith in the first over. Jamie Sylvester and Reddy set about repairing the damage, taking the score to 64 when Sully again pressed the self destruct button as Jamie was run out for a battling 22.

This brought Andrew Davies to the crease and with Reddy setting out his stall to bat through the innings, they took Centurions to 127 when Davies was adjudged lbw for an excellent 33.

Evison went for 2 and Sullivan for 6 as they tried to push the run rate up, but a quickfire 18 from Richard Jones and a fine 50 from Reddy before he was out for 68 with the score at 159, saw Sully reach 171-8 off their 45 overs, not a big score but on an unpredictable track more than useful.

Centurions bowlers certainly gave their all as they pegged the home side back and when Ryan Sylvester entered the attack, wickets began to fall - 2 in his first over to make it 38-2, and a third went at 74.

Andrew Davies returned to the attack and had Davies well caught at third man by Reddy. One run later Jamie Sylvester trapped Catlow lbw for 0 and it was 89-5, and then 96-6 when Evison bowled Griffiths for 5.

He then brilliantly caught and bowled Green for 10 and it was 106-7, but a vital stand between Marehunt and Kelly added 31 runs before Nicholson bowled Marehunt for 9.

The last over began with 12 runs needed for victory but to everyone's amazement the umpires gave Bath 6 penalty runs, allowing the home side to get home with 2 balls remaining, and spoiling a wonderful afternoon of cricket.

It was commonly agreed by both sets of players that Sully had been harshly treated.

Centurions 171-8. R Reddy 68, A Davies 33, J Sylvester 22, R Jones 18. A Kelly 3-16, L Davies 2-44.

Bath 172-8. A Kelly 43 no, R Lett 29, L Davies 22. R Sylvester 3-23, T Evison 2-52.

SECONDS

Sully Centurions 2nd XI travelled to Chepstow last Saturday and returned home with an emphatic 9 wicket victory.

Batting first, Chepstow made a steady start with skipper Bennett scoring freely but some excellent fielding and tight, accurate bowling kept the home side in check.

Veteran Terry Williams and the romantic David Goodway opened the floodgates after Ben Horlock had taken an excellent catch to dismiss Bennett for 44.

Young Lloyd Bruce kept up the good work as Centurions never lost their grip on the game. Goodway, with 4 wickets, and Bruce with 3, sent the home side back for 105.

Centurions set about their task in a very positive manner although losing Jones for 14. Goodway, who had a great day, and the flamboyant Rhett Jones raced to the target in under 19 overs.

Chepstow 105 all out. P Bennett 44. D Goodway 4-19, L Bruce 3-17.

Centurions 106-1. Rhett Jones 52 not out, D Goodway 36 not out.

FOURTHS

The 4th XI travelled to Brynmawr and were not able to capitalise on a decent score by being unable to bowl out the opposition. The opening partnership of Terry Sylvester (17) and Tom Davies (11) were looking good until Tom was caught on the boundary. This brought in Nick Jones, who gave a chanceless performance as he top scored with a powerfully hit 68. Younger brother Lee also batted well for his 21 not out as Centurions ended on 156 for 9 after the 45 overs.

The Brynmawr innings saw the openers weather a storm of quick bowling from Nathan Cuddihy, who bowled as fast as he has ever done.

With a bit more accuracy Nathan could be playing at a much higher level than this. As it was, a few too many wayward deliveries let the home side off the hook. Paul Harrison performed extremely well behind the stumps, as he saved countless byes with acrobatic enthusiasm. However, the wicket did not materialise, in spite of decent spells from Nick (Biggun) Jones, Lee (Little'un) Jones and Lewis Cuddihy (who had to go off after injuring his back attempting to stop a boundary).

The only wicket came courtesy of a run out - engineered by Nathan Cuddihy. This was in the first of a 3 over spell from Terry Sylvester - but even the old maestro couldn't make another breakthrough and the winning runs came soon after.

So, once again the inability to bowl sides out proved to be the 4ths' downfall.

Brynmawr 160-1; Sully 156-9.

TEAMS

1st XI v Usk, at Sully: J Sylvester, R Sylvester, T Evison, L Smith, A Davies, O Lovering, G Sullivan, R Reddy, I Nicholson, D Eskins, A N Other.

2nd XI v Usk, away: S Hood, J Langworth, M Thomas, D Goodway, T Williams, L Bruce, S Ellis, R Jones, B Horlock, O Sullivan, R Clitheroe.

3rd XI v Barry Wanderers, at Rhoose, start 12.45pm: J Wooden, C Bruce, H Miller, D W Sylvester, DP Sylvester, L Doel, H Williams, S Davies, A Gilliatt, R Griffett, B Spear, B Callow.

4th XI v Blaengarw, away, leave Sully Inn 11.45am: M Fisher, J Edwards, N Jones, L Jones, G Tressider, D Chalk, D Morgan, L Bennett, P Harrison, T Davies, N Cudihy, L Cudihy, J T Sylvester.

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