SULLY Centurions Cricket Club had a very successful weekend with victories over neighbours Barry Wanderers and a touring side from Gloucestershire, Charlton Kings CC.

On Saturday the first XI met Wanderers at Burnham Avenue and lost the early wickets of Santosh Singh and Gethin Hicks with only two runs on the board. David Goodway and Rhett Jones then shared a half century partnership before Jones was caught by Rod Jones off the bowling of Selveraju for 33. Goodway went from strength to strength finishing on a marvellous 135 not out. He held the innings together, and with some late help from Kieron Ferriday (42 not out) pushed the score along to 266 for 7 at the end of the 45 overs. For Wanderers the bowling honours went to Gareth Hughes with 5 for 46 off his nine overs, with the other two victims falling to Selveraju.

In reply, Wanderers found it hard going and apart from a third wicket stand of 43 between Anderson (40) and Hughes, with 24, the wickets fell regularly. Only two others managed to get into double figures as the innings ended on 131 all out in the 34th over. The wickets were shared around, with two each going to Goodway, Jake Griffett and Bharat and one apiece to Santosh, Cuddihy and Ricki Griffett.

Sully Centurions 266-7 Barry Wanderers 131 all out

In the reverse fixture at Hayes Point it was an altogether closer affair between the second XIs. The home side batted first and reached 154 all out. Goud (34) and Wolfendon (33) were the highest scorers for Barry Wanderers, with Patrick Lane (3 for 15) being the pick of the Sully bowlers.

After tea the loss of early wickets, including Russell Thomas (four) and skipper Dave Sylvester for a duck left Centurions facing a bit of an uphill struggle. But Jason Hicks, with 35 helped steady the ship for a while. The wickets were still falling, however, and with one over to go Centurions still needed two runs for victory. A single off the third ball meant that scores were tied. Iwan Thomas, who 18 not out and shared a stand of 40 with Lewis Pyke (28 not out) hit the winning run off the final ball of the match to give Sully a victory by three wickets. For Wanderers Bowker and Barnes, with two wickets each, took the bowling honours.

Barry Wanderers II 153 all out Sully Centurions II 154-7

On Sunday Centurions hosted touring side Charlton Kings CC from Cheltenham and ran out comfortable winners in a high scoring match. Batting first, Centurions openers Rhett Jones and Russell Thomas put on 127 for the first wicket – the lion’s share going to Jones, as Thomas was bowled for 26. Jones was joined by Ellis, who hit 50 in another big partnership (151) with Jones to leave the score on 298 for 2. Remarkably, Jones hit 200 before retiring unbeaten and Sully went on to reach 340 for 3 at the end of the 40 overs.

In reply, though facing a daunting task of chasing down that target, Charlton gave it a good go, with Griffiths hitting an unbeaten century and Hayward getting 80. The total of 276 for 4 was well below the target but was a decent attempt in the circumstances. The wickets were shared between the Sully bowlers.

Sully Centurions 340 for 3 Charlton Kings 267-4

On Saturday the first XI travel to promotion rivals, and current league leaders, Crumlin, in a vital match that will have a huge bearing on the final places in the league. The second XI host Crumlin seconds at Burnham Avenue. All players are asked to contact Jake Griffett or Dave Sylvester with their availability.