Civic Reception for triumphant Cents (From Barry And District News)

Civic Reception for triumphant Cents

A record-breaking summer for a Vale of Glamorgan cricket club has been recognised at a civic reception.

Hosted by Vale mayor Cllr Emlyn Williams, the event marked the exploits of Sully Centurions who, in their 50th anniversary year, enjoyed triple trophy success.

Premier League champions in the Thomas Carroll Insurance Group-sponsored South Wales Cricket League, where they were the first team to defend their title, Centurions also triumphed in the Welsh Cup competition and capped a magnificent season with victory in the npower Village Cup at the home of cricket, Lord's.

During their exploits on Welsh soil, Centurions faced weekly opposition from top clubs such as Cardiff, St Fagans and Newport and, in the Welsh Cup final, beat South Wales Cricket Association side Pontarddulais. This year's Village Cup competition, attracted more than 600 clubs from England, Wales and Scotland and, in the final, Centurions beat Exhall and Wixford (Stratford-upon-Avon).

The club also achieved a series of further successes through its second and third XIs and junior sides from under-11s through to under-15s. The second XI were promoted to the First Division of their section of the SWCL as Second Division runners-up, while the third XI were champions of their section.

The highlight for the junior section was an under-11s triumph against St Fagans in a championship involving sides from across South Wales. On the individual front, Centurions' Ryan Sylvester became the first player in league history to score 1,000 runs in a Premier League season.

Congratulating the club on their achievements, Cllr Williams said: "This was a season which is unlikely to be bettered or, indeed, equalled. "It was achieved by a very progressive club which has built up a strong competitive set up of senior and junior sides who are supported by many unsung heroes carrying out a string of behind the scenes tasks.

"The club's exploits have generated a great deal of positive publicity for the Vale of Glamorgan, especially during their success at Lord's, which received widespread media attention, including television coverage by Sky.

Centurions' chairman David Sylvester thanked Cllr Williams for hosting the event.

He said: "The club, which has come a long way in its 50 years and is still progressing, is delighted that its efforts and contribution to the local community are recognised.

"Youngsters are always needed to maintain clubs like Centurions, and cricket teaches them to work and mix with people and to encompass a team spirit.

"I wrote in my programme notes at the start of the season that perhaps it was our year, but I don't think anyone at the club could have envisaged such success, which culminated in a dream triumph at the home of cricket.

"I am sure that our efforts have ensured that the Vale of Glamorgan has secured even greater recognition across the country."