Lord's success for Centurians (From Barry And District News)

Lord's success for Centurians

Sully Centurions achieved their ultimate dream on Sunday when, after 50 years, the club reached a Lord's final, the NPower Village Cup against Exhall and Wixford, from the Midlands.

The day was blessed with superb weather, which matched the magnificent surroundings.

Centurions won the toss in front of a very large crowd. The village of Sully had certainly come to London, along with many exiles, and Exhall supporters.

The Sully fans outnumbered their opponents and the atmosphere was electric.

Centurions elected to bat first and made a steady start, with 33 runs coming from the first nine overs.

Disaster struck when, in the space of one run, Sully lost the prolific scorers of the previous rounds, Ryan and Jamie Sylvester. Both were out hooking to the bowling of the impressive Keen, for 19 and 10 respectively.

But cometh the hour cometh the men: Mike O'Shea, 16 years of age, and the determined and talented Lloyd Smith.

From 34-2 they steadied the ship with controlled and skilful batting, taking the score to 131 from 30 overs, both passing their half centuries.

The next ten overs decided the match as Centurions scored 112 runs at a rate of over 11 runs an over, playing shots all around Lords.

O'Shea was out for a magnificent 79 with the score on 208, but Smith destroyed the Exhall attack as he reached every club cricketer's dream of a Lord's century.

When he was out for 113, caught off Holland, the crowd rose to give him a fantastic reception.

Dave Eskins, with a late flourish for 13 not out, took the total to a formidable 243-4 at the end of the 40 overs.

Centurions made a dream start as Jamie Sylvester caught the Exhall run machine and captain, Holland, for 0 off the enthusiastic Eskins.

Sylvester was involved again when he ran out Wickes for 4 and at 20 overs Exhall were 54-2.

The Sully supporters were in full voice and singing rang round the ground as Gwyn was bowled by Terry Williams, and although Simpson and Carmichael added 43 for the fourth wicket, the required run rate was increasing all the time.

Carmichael became Jamie Sylvester's first victim, when 15-year-old Owain Lovering took a superb stumping.

Simpson passed an impressive 50, but at 116 his fine effort came to an end when he was bowled by Ryan Sylvester for 58.

Heneghan showed defiance with 27 not out, but Park was caught superbly by Gage on the long-off boundary off Jamie Sylvester, and Gates was caught on the long-on boundary by 16-year-old Gareth Sullivan, a moment he will never forget, to give Centurions victory by 79 runs.

The trip home was one of great celebration, and Centurions are grateful for all the support, especially from the village.

Centurions 243-4. L Smith 113, M O'Shea 79. S Keen 2-34. Exhall and Wixford 164-7. J Simpson 58. J Sylvester 2-15.

l This weekend, it is back to league action for Sully Centurions, and the dream of the treble is still on.

The Welsh Cup winners and Village Cup winners hope to add the Premier League title to their trophy haul, and the Seconds need to win their last match at home to Newport Fugitives to gain promotion to the Premier League.

The 1st XI are away to Panteg, leaving the Glenbrook at 11.30am: J Sylvester, R Sylvester, L Smith, T Williams, N Gage, D Eskins, M Newbold, R Clitheroe, P Williamson, A N Other, A N Other.

2nd XI v Newport Fugitives, at Sully, 12.30pm: D W Sylvester, D P Sylvester, I Thickpenny, J Gee, G Sullivan, H Williams, S Naeem, D Whatman, O Lovering, M Thomas, S Davies, J Davies, C Bruce, H Miller.

l Centurions go on their annual tour to Somerset on Sunday, leaving the ground at 9.30am.

Tour party: D W Sylvester, D P Sylvester, R Sylvester, M Lewis, P Barnett, R Galliford, G Dodd, M Fisher, T Williams, N Gage, S Davies, T Sylvester, S German, J Ord, G Sullivan, O Sullivan, P Rose, H Williams, D Goodway, M Thomas. Others not named please contact Dave Sylvester.