SULLY Centurions hosted Vale CC at Burnham Avenue and, although eventually losing by 3 wickets, gave their visitors some scary moments in the process.

After being asked to bat, Centurions made the worst possible start when Tom Davies was bowled by Upham for a first ball duck.

The second wicket pair took the score along to 19 when Upham struck again, having Gethin Hicks caught behind for 9. Shae Ellis and Calum Thomas shared a stand of 29 before Thomas was bowled by Merry, also for 9, in the 12th over.

Things were looking bad at this stage and two overs later skipper David Goodway became Merry's second victim, losing his wicket for just 1.

However, a half century stand between Ellis and Harri Edwards took the score along to 101 before Ellis was caught at the wicket off the bowling of Thomas, for 59.

Unfortunately, apart from Edwards' 30, no other batsman reached double figures as Thomas took a further three wickets to wrap up the innings for 140.

In reply, Vale were bogged down by some accurate bowling from Bharat (1 for 25) and Goodway (3 for 36) and were 47 for 4 after 12 overs. Ricki Griffett (2-37) and Shae Ellis (1-19) kept up the pressure on the visitors, with wicket keeper Calum Thomas taking three catches and as well as a stumping.

But the tide was turned by a middle order fight back. Keland reached 22 before being bowled by Griffett.

There then followed a 7th wicket partnership between Rowland (43) and Thomas (20 not out) and Vale kept their nerve to reach the target with 5 overs to go.

Sully Centurions 140 all out Vale 141-7

On Saturday Centurions face Creigiau at Burnham Avenue and players are asked to make the captain aware of their availability.

Mobile coffee shop ‘My Coffee Guy’ will be sponsoring the match ball, so Centurions pass on thanks to them for this great gesture, showing a positive example of local collaboration in these difficult times.