SULLY Centurions put the last couple of results behind them as they returned to winning ways with this morale boosting six wicket victory at Monkswood that keeps them hot on the heels of leaders Crumlin CC.

The home side batted first and after six overs had slipped to 21-2, with Nathan Cuddihy and Santosh Singh taking the wickets of Malson and Watkins. Opener Jones dug in for a gritty 42 and Entwistle and Simons helped the cause with 31 each. But the Sully attack was proving to be miserly. Kieron Ferriday, settling into the Centurions life, posted figures of 3-22, ably backed up Santosh (3 for 30) and Cuddihy (2 for 27).

With a wicket each for Jake Griffett and Dave Goodway the innings finished on 181 all out in the 37th over.

After tea Rhett Jones and Gethin Hicks, who was making his first XI debut, shared an opening stand of 108, when Gethin was caught off the bowling of Trumper for a well-made 37.

Rhett Jones was looking unstoppable before he had to retire with a rib injury on 86.

However, Santosh Singh rose to the challenge with 32 in 23 balls and the target was reached in the 41st over, for the loss of only four wickets.

Monkswood 181 all out, Sully Centurions 184-4

The second XI hosted Monkswood seconds at Burnham Avenue and in spite of a fantastic 3rd wicket partnership, lost by five wickets.

Batting first, Centurions were soon on the back foot after the early wickets of Jason Hicks and Nick Jones left the score on 13-2, with both batsmen falling to Simon Williams. However, Peter Thomas and Aaron Arthur started dealing with the Monkswood attack and put together a marvellous stand of 118 before Thomas was bowled, again by Williams, for 70. Then Kevin Brooks started getting in on the act for the visitors and ended up taking 5-20, including the wicket of Arthur for a fine 75. The innings closed on 198 for 9.

In reply, Monkswood had a solid start as Kilminster (47) and Bleazard (28) put on 61 for the second wicket. Then another half century partnership between Griffiths and Malson put Monkswood in the driving seat. In spite of the unfortunate run out of Griffiths (who top scored with 70) the visitors ended up reaching the required total with two overs still remaining.

For Centurions, the wickets were shared around, with one each for Aaron Arthur, Nick Jones, Josh Bryan and Ethan Fiddler (playing his first match since last season). Once again it was so near but so far for Sully.

Sully Centurions II 198-9, Monkswood II 201-5

This weekend sees the first XI travelling to Creigiau, with the second XI meeting Creigiau second XI at Sully. All players are asked to contact Jake Griffett or Dave Sylvester with their availability.