By Mick Fisher

SULLY Centurions had a bad day at the office when they lost heavily at home to Lisvane 2nd XI. Batting first, Centurions began losing early wickets and at one stage they were 13-3.

A slight recovery had them at 56 for 5, but the early damage had been done, with only two players getting into double figures.

Dan Chaulk top scored with 40, with some support from Ricki Griffett, who hit 15.

The innings closed when the last wicket fell at just 119. Denega, who took 4 for 23, was the pick of the visiting bowlers.

In reply, Centurions had a couple of early breakthroughs, with both openers dismissed cheaply.

But, in spite of a three wicket haul for Ricki Griffett, Tudor (33 not out) and Denega (9 not out) steered Lisvane home for the loss of 6 wickets.

Sully Centurions 119 all out Lisvane 123-6

The 2nd XI travelled to Llandaff Fields to face Lisvane 4th XI and, in spite of some heroics with the bat, eventually lost by 15 runs.

The cause wasn’t helped by a last minute drop out from the 1st XI which meant that Dan Merchant was drafted into the firsts, and left Sully with only 10 men and no time to get a replacement for the 2nd XI.

Lisvane batted first and had to work hard for their runs, with Harish and Vasant bowling a tight line to restrict them to 57 for 3 by the 14th over.

The wickets fell at regular intervals, with Jason Hicks (4-24) and Vasant (3-55) doing the damage. Centurions’ 10 men were looking good as, by the 31st over, the home side were wobbling on 137 for 7.

But Drury (57) and Hughes (28) shared a half century partnership to put Lisvane back on track.

The Centurions’ fielders were beginning to toil in the heat and the innings ended on 219 for 9.

After tea, opener Hicks fell early, but Ali and Herbie Miller combined to put on 98 for the second wicket before Ali was out for an entertaining 61.

Miller continued to play the anchor role with Vasant knocking 35 in quick time before being caught off the bowling of Drury in the 26th over with score on 142.

But, following the dismissal of Miller for 41 and Dinesh (24) only Harish made double figures, and the last three wickets fell cheaply.

Centurions managed to reach 204 before Chris Coles was run out in the final over.

It was a valiant effort against a strong Lisvane side, but the 10 bonus points means Centurions are still top of Division 8.

Lisvane 219-9 Sully Centurions 2nd XI 204 all out

This weekend the 1st XI travel to Ebbw Vale while the 2nd XI play host to Ponthir at Burnham Avenue.

Once again all players are asked to let their captains know their availability.