SULLY Centurions Cricket 1st XI travelled to top of the table Newport Fugitives and were well beaten, bringing Centurions down to Earth with a bump after last week’s great win.

The hosts batted first and in spite of Gareth Thomas and Lloyd Bruce making early breakthroughs with the wickets of openers Bridges (4) and Chorley (15) Fugitives gradually regained their composure and showed why they are sitting on top of the table with a fine batting performance.

Emmott (73 not out) and Hall (67 not out) were the pick of the Newport batsmen, with good support from Thomas (37) Evans (34) and Millichip (20). The innings closed on 289 for five, with Bruce (two for 40) Thomas (two for 63) and Barak (one for 22) getting the wickets for Centurions.

In reply, Centurions were grateful to Ted Alsop, who produced a battling 67 and Sandeep Shokeen (44) for giving the innings some momentum.

But the target was always going to be a difficult one to reach, particularly in the face of some accurate bowling from Fugitives.

Emmott, who added to his batting heroics with three for 44, and Durston and Thomas, with two wickets apiece, did the damage for Newport as the Centurions innings ended on 188 all out in the 44th over.

Newport Fugitives 289 - 5 Sully Centurions 188 all out

The 2nd XI hosted Newport Fugitives 2nds in the reverse fixture at Burnham Avenue, with a much weakened side, due to several players being unavailable.

Batting first Centurions lost wicket after wicket due to some fiery bowling and excellent fielding.

Only veteran skipper Dave Sylvester managed to get into double figures, as he carried his bat for 21 not out. Unfortunately for Sully, the last wicket fell with the score on a paltry 46. The biggest achievement was that the home side made it to the 32nd over.

After tea, it didn’t take long for openers Adams (18 not out) and Hale (22 not out) to reach the small target as Fugitives clinched the victory in the seventh over. Definitely one to forget.

Sully Centurions II 46 all out Newport Fugitives II 47 for none

On Sunday, Centurions travelled to Lisvane for a friendly and ran out winners by 37 runs.

Batting first Centurions reached 198 all out, with the lion’s share of the runs coming from Ted Alsop, with a splendid 70.

Calum Thomas (25) and James Capper (24) were the next highest scorers, but the whole side chipped in with some runs. The only negative aspect was that the team failed to bat out the 40 overs.

Lisvane’s reply was dominated by Powell’s 42 and again all the side got runs. But thanks to some decent bowling, the home side were restricted to 161 all out. Ted Alsop added to his batting performance with bowling figures of three for 20.

Lisvane 161 all out Sully Centurions 198 all out.