SULLY Centurions 1st XI played host to Hopkinstown on Saturday, in what was the first ever league meeting between the two clubs, and ran out winning by a huge margin to keep their place at the top of the league.

After inexplicably being put in the hosts batted first and the opening pair of Rhett Jones and Gethin Hicks soon took a liking to the bowling, putting on a stand of 167 before Gethin was caught for 66.

This proved to be just a minor hiccup as Rhett Jones and Calum Thomas then enjoyed another century partnership. Rhett was eventually out for a marvellous 141.

Thomas was joined by Lloyd Bruce and both reached half centuries. After Thomas went for 59, Bruce (53) and Tom Edwards (32) continued the onslaught and shared a half century partnership as the Hopkinstown fielders were wilting in the sun. The final score was 397 for 5 – Sully’s best for many a long year.

In the Hopkinstown reply, Centurions kept a firm grip on the match, with some accurate bowling. Only Pember (48) and Hughes (35) showed any resistance in the face of the Sully attack. Skipper Jake Griffett picked up two wickets while three apiece went to Lloyd Bruce and Gareth Thomas.

The Hopkinstown innings came to a close in the 29th over when the total was still 251 runs short of the target.

Sully Centurions 397-5 Hopkinstown 148 all out

2nd XI

The 2nd XI faced Hopkinstown seconds at Hopkinstown and came away with a 7 wicket victory to climb up to second place in the table.

The home side batted first and faced the opening attack of Nick Jones and Dan Chaulk, who frustrated the batsmen with some accurate bowling.

But it was Iwan Thomas who made the headlines with his best ever senior figures of 6 for 28, to leave the Hopkinstown side reeling.

A particular mention should be given for the marvellous one handed catch taken by Peter Thomas off Iwan’s bowling. The innings ended on 192 all out.

After tea, Centurions had to overcome the loss of opening pair Russell Thomas and Peter Thomas, who both departed cheaply, before Ben Spear (54) and Mike Oatridge (71) - his first half century for the club - turned the game back in Sully’s direction.

This, plus a nifty 20 from Harri Edwards, saw Centurions home with plenty of overs to spare and ensured maximum points.

Sully Centurions II 193-3 Hopkinstown II 192 all out

This week Centurions are away at Ebbw Vale, with the seconds at home in the reverse fixture. All players are reminded to inform the captains of their availability.