SULLY Centurions came unstuck at Pontymister and Cross Keys, in a game that was interrupted by rain breaks, when they were unable to cope with the damp conditions and slumped to a 62 run defeat. However, with leaders Crumlin also suffering a loss, the title race is still on.

The hosts batted first and were soon in trouble when Jake Griffett removed opener Dan Jones for just three. But the rest of the batsmen all contributed to give Pontymister a decent total of 160 for 7. Jake Griffett with 3 for 24 and David Goodway (2 for 33) returned the best bowling figures for Centurions.

In reply, four Sully wickets had fallen with only 10 runs on the board. Only David Goodway seemed to be able to stick around as wickets continued to fall. His partnership with Nick Jones (23) gave Centurions some hope of a recovery, but the tail fell cheaply and Goodway was left on 45 not out as the innings closed on 98 all out. Best bowling for Pontymister was from Ben Morgan, with 4 for 15.

Pontymister and Cross Keys 160-7, Sully Centurions 98 all out The seconds hosted Pontymister and Cross Keys second XI at Burnham Avenue with several regulars unavailable and were eventually to end up worthy winners.

Batting first, the visitors got off to a solid start with openers Brown (55) and Powell (23) looking set before Powell was dismissed by Iwan Thomas with 48 on the board. However, only one more batsman managed to reach double figures (McDonald – 23) and the Centurions bowlers had the upper hand, restricting Pontymister to 140 for 7. Luke Canter took 3 for 14, with support from Peter Thomas (2 for 28).

The Centurions innings got off to a shaky start, with early wickets leaving the hosts on 19 for 2. But a third wicket partnership of 74 between Ali Raza (44) and Ben Spear (36) swung the game right back in Sully’s favour. The final score of 144 for 5 was reached with five overs still remaining. A special mention must be made of Andy Thomas, who scored an entertaining 20 on his debut for the club.

Sully Centurions 144-5, Pontymister and Cross Keys 140-7 On Sunday the second XI made the trip to Machen in order to fulfil a fixture which had been postponed due to a bereavement at the home club on the original date. The hosts batted first and were soon in trouble as Dinesh grabbed two early wickets. These, along, with a run out, saw Machen on 10 for 3 in the seventh over. However, Michael Fussell soon showed that he meant business and he set about rebuilding the innings with a fine batting performance. Unfortunately for Machen he began to run out of partners with four ducks in the total and no-one else getting into double figures. When Fussell was stumped on 94 the innings closed on 136 all out. Dinesh topped the bowling figures for Centurions with 3 for 16 off 8 overs.

In reply Sully didn't have things all their own way and both Russell Thomas and Peter Thomas were back in the pavilion with the score on 17. That man Fussell claimed two wickets to add to his batting performance, but Jake Griffett (56 not out) and brother Ricky (27 not out) saw Sully home in the 25th over for the loss of four wickets.

This takes Centurions right back into the race for promotion, just a few points behind third placed Crumlin.

Machen 136 all out, Sully Centurions II 142-4 On Saturday the first XI play Barry Wanderers at Burnham Avenue, hoping to avenge the defeat inflicted by their near neighbours earlier in the season. The second XI make the trip down the road to Hayes Point to play the Wanderers second XI.

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