ON a lovely sunny but cold April day Sully Centurions got their 2008 season off to a winning start against South Wales Cricket Association side Swansea - which included former Glamorgan and Essex pace bowler Darren Thomas - by eight wickets.

Swansea batted first on a predictable slow wicket and found runs very hard to come by against Centurions new opening attach former Glamorgan pace bowler Andrew Davies and Pentyrch opening bowler Steve Hood both making their debut.

Davies produced a superb spell taking three wickets for just eight runs off six overs with Hood giving him full support. A fine 52 by Payne was the highlight of the Swansea innings with Darren Thomas 21 and Hayden 24 being the only other two batsmen to reach double figures in a total of 143 for 8 at the end of their allocated 45 overs.

Wickets were shared as Centurions skipper Ryan Sylvester used eight bowlers Young and Aeron Smith grabbing two wickets at the end of the Swansea innings.

Centurions although losing the early wicket of Jamie Sylvester had very little trouble in reaching the target passing the Swansea total in just 26.3 overs as some very early season bowling was dealt harshly by both Ryan Sylvester 55 and Lloyd Smith 65 not out.

SCORES Swansea 143 for 8: M Payne 52, G Hayden 24, D Thomas 21, A Davies 3 for 8, A Smith 2 for 17.

Centurions 144 for 2: L Smith 65 not out, R Sylvester 55.

This weekend Centurions have UCC the University and Glamorgan Academy as visitors to Sully on Saturday and Sunday with an away game also at Ewenny against the Vale Cricket Club.

Membership of both junior and senior section is now open. For details telephone Dave Sylvester on 02920 530896 evenings or visit the ground on a Thursday evening or on match days.