SULLY Centurions took on second placed Crumlin at Burnham Avenue and with only five points separating the teams this was definitely a crunch match.

The visitors batted first and, after the early loss of skipper Hopkins, took a liking to the conditions and also to the Sully attack, with the ball being dispatched to the boundary with regularity. An unbeaten century from Veal and 98 from Jolliffe were the backbone of the Crumlin innings, which finished on 291 for 5. However, it could have been different, as both high scoring batsmen were dropped early in their innings. For Centurions, there were two wickets each for Nathan Cuddihy and skipper Jake Griffett.

In reply, Centurions had Rhett Jones (87) and David Goodway (52) to thank for putting some runs on the board. But, in spite of only losing seven wickets, the target was well out of reach, with Crumlin restricting the home side to 199 for 7 off the 45 overs. This means that Crumlin have leapfrogged Centurions at the top of the table. Both sides are now eagerly looking forward to the second half of the season and in particular, the return match at Crumlin.

Sully Centurions 199-7, Crumlin 291-5

Second XI

The second XI travelled to Crumlin for the reverse fixture and in spite of a great fifth wicket stand between Russell Thomas and Nick Jones, lost by four wickets.

Centurions batted first and were soon in trouble as early wickets began to tumble – leaving them in the precarious position of being 27 for 4 and facing an early finish. However Thomas and Jones had other ideas, sharing a stand of 150 to put Centurions right back in the game. The final total of 191 for 9 was a testament to their fine partnership. The wickets were shared between the Crumlin bowlers, with best figures coming from Haines (2 for 6) and Randall (2 for 13).

After tea the Crumlin batsmen didn’t have it all their own way, with Sully chipping away at the early order. With the score at 60 for 4 the game was evenly poised, but the middle order rose to the challenge, with a fine 81 not out from Williams being the pick of the batting. The target was reached in the 33rd over. For Centurions the wickets were shared between Gethin Hicks, who had 3 for 30, and Peter Thomas (3 for 58).

Crumlin II 192-6 Sully Centurions II 191-9

On Saturday Centurions travel to Monkswood, with the second XI taking on Monkswood 2nd XI at Burnham Avenue.

All players are asked to contact Jake Griffett or Dave Sylvester with their availability.