SULLY Centurions entertained Vale CC on Saturday and won by 76 runs to consolidate their place at the top of the league.

The visitors won the toss and asked Sully to bat on an overcast day. This appeared to be the correct decision as both openers were dismissed cheaply to leave Centurions on 20 for 2. However, after a short rain break, Tom Edwards (40) and Calum Thomas (26) shared a forty run partnership to get the innings back on track.

Then a few more wickets fell quickly to leave Centurions looking exposed at 94 for 5 before David Goodway (74) and Ricki Griffett (50) put together a stand of 136 to swing it back in Sully’s favour.

This was Ricki’s first 50 for the 1st XI. But it wasn’t all plain sailing and the tail went cheaply, with the last 4 wickets tumbling for 14 runs to leave the total on 244 all out. Snelson, who took 4 for 16, was easily the best of the Vale bowlers, but Upham’s miserly 2 for 11 off 9 overs was also worth a mention.

The Vale innings was going nicely along until the first wicket fell at 33. Then a huge collapse followed, with three more wickets going down for just one run.

It was soon 41 for 5, with Bharat Bhanderi picking up three victims. Snelson, following up his bowling heroics, managed to stick around long enough to put some pressure on the home side, eventually being caught and bowled by Lloyd Bruce for a well-made 64.

But only three more batsmen managed double figures and Vale were eventually all out for 168 with 8 overs still remaining.

Bruce (3 for 21) Bharat (3 for 35) along with Jake Griffett (2 for 21) and Gareth Thomas (2 for 48) were the wicket takers for Centurions.

Sully Centurions 244 all out Vale CC 168 all out

2nd XI

The seconds travelled up the A 48 to meet Vale 2nd XI, who were top of the league, on a drizzly afternoon.

After a twenty minute delay due to the rain, the game got underway, with Vale winning the toss and inserting Sully.

After a steady start, Tom Davies and Russell Thomas started to enjoy the bowling and began finding the boundary with some strong shots.

There was a short rain break before the innings resumed, but the opening stand of 82 was brought to a close when Davies was bowled by Merry for 42. Thomas went with the score on 106 – bowled by Gilbert for 35.

Harri Edwards looked comfortable for his 25, before being caught off the bowling of Lazarus, with the score on 115.

Wickets began falling with regularity, with three out in the space of 18 runs, to leave Centurions on 138 for 5. But Ben Spear, playing his first game for a month, took a liking to the Vale attack and hit exactly 50, which included six 4s and two 6s, to get Centurions back on track. Dan Chaulk scored a quick-fire 17 to help the momentum and the innings closed on 222 all out in the 40th over.

Merry, Lazarus and Gilbert all picked up three wickets for Vale.

After tea, the home side looked to take advantage of the drying pitch, but lost the first two wickets for 26.

But Shephard and Francis took the game by the scruff of the neck and put together a century stand, which saw the ball reach the boundary regularly. Shephard eventually fell to Jason Hicks for 40.

But, although Francis continued to pick up runs, he was rapidly running out of partners and when the last over was completed, he was left on 105 not out, out of a total of 210 for 8.

Centurions were grateful to Harish Hirani for his three wickets, along with 2 for Harri Edwards and one each for Alfie Lee, Nicky Jones and Jason Hicks.

This victory keeps Sully in touch with Vale and Monmouth at the top of the league.

Vale II 210 for 8 Sully Centurions II 222 all out

On Saturday, Centurions are home against Hopkinstown, while the 2nd XI make the trip to Hopkinstown for the reverse fixture. Once again all players are requested to let the captains know their availability.