SULLY Centurions 1st XI made the short trip to Penarth last Saturday and recorded a 10 wicket win to get the season back on track.

Penarth struggled to get going, with only Erasmus (24 not out ) and Bradshaw (33) making anything like a decent individual score.

Following some good, accurate bowling from Jamie Sylvester (3 for 14) and Andrew Davies (3 for 29) they limped to 97 all out.

Centurions wasted no time in reaching the target, with Ryan Sylvester (77 not out) and Jamie Sylvester (21 not out) steering them home in a very short space of time.

Penarth 97 all out, Sully 100 for 0.

SECONDS

Matthew Thomas hit his first ever century in an 8 wicket win over Bridgend at Sully.

The visitors batted first and in spite of a half century for Clayton and 46 for Stanton, they could not capitalise on the start and although the total of 190 for 7 was decent enough, it was always gettable on a nice sunny day, which was perfect for batting. For Centurions, Lloyd Bruce was impressive, ending with bowling statistics of 2 for 40.

Terry Williams also did his usual expert job as he returned figures of 1 for 14 off 10 overs including 5 maidens.

In response, Matt Thomas despatched the Bridgend attack to all corners of the ground as he reached 110 not out.

He was well supported by Ben Horlock (38 not out) as they saw Sully home for the loss of just 2 wickets. Sully 191-2, Bridgend Town 190-7.

THIRDS

The 3rd XI put up a dismal performance at Rhoose, losing by 10 wickets to Lisvane.

Sully were all out for 54 and the visitors soon passed the target, but it must be said that the appalling wicket was undoubtedly the major factor, very difficult to play on with no bounce at all.

FOURTHS

The 4th XI lost at Great Western as the high flying Bridgend side kept up the pressure at the top of the table.

Batting first, Centurions were pegged back by some accurate bowling, with openers Jim Ord 10 and Terry Sylvester 12 unable to dominate the attack. It was soon clear that none of the other Centurion batsmen were going to find it any easier.

Highest scores were from Dave Waterhouse with an entertaining 27, and 17 from Paul Harrison, but a total of 116 all out was always going to be difficult to defend.

In reply the home side put on 45 for the first wicket and eventually cruised home in 20 overs for the loss of 4 wickets. Lewis Cudihy (3 for 45) and Mick Fisher, with 1 for 13, were Sully's wicket takers. Unfortunately, Clive Hyland, who was playing his first game for 25 years, pulled a hamstring while fielding and limped off.

Best wishes to Clive for a speedy recovery and grateful thanks to Mark Burnett for coming on as 12th man.

Great Western 117 for 4, Sully 116 all out.

AREA FINAL

Centurions travelled to Newport on Sunday for the Area Final of the Twenty-20 Cockspur National Competition.

After beating Blackwood comfortably by 24 runs they faced the old enemy Usk for a place in the Regional Final and this produced some real fireworks.

Usk batted first and what a start. Claydon played the supporting role with Australian partner Burrell, and they raced to 96 off just 10 overs, but things changed dramatically at 100.

Claydon was lbw for 31, then at 115 came the big wicket of Burrell bowled by Smith for 73. On the same score, Watkin, not his normal self but very quiet, was also bowled by Smith for 0.

Usk began to struggle as Evison captured 3 wickets, Jamie Sylvester bowled his 4 overs for a mere 18, and Usk finished on a disappointing score - for them - of 148-7.

A delighted Centurions set about the target in style with Ryan Sylvester and Lloyd Smith smashing the ball to all parts of the ground.

Smith, with a brilliant 81 and Ryan Sylvester 58 not out, took Centurions to a dramatic victory by 9 wickets and 4.3 overs to spare.

Centurions now face Bournemouth and Mochdre at Usk on August 30 in the Regional Final with a place in the semi-final awaiting the winners. Why not come along; it promises something special.

MAIDEN TON

Congratulations to Matthew Thomas on his maiden century for the club, after being unavailable on Friday due to being up on the roof building his extension.

After a discussion with David Sylvester he was persuaded to come down, and must now be very grateful for that conversation.

Let's hope more jobs on the roof will bring more centuries.

On Sunday Centurions play Miskin Manor. Will players let Dave Sylvester know of their availability.

TEAMS for Saturday

1st XI v Tondu, home: J Sylvester, R Sylvester, L Smith, A Davies, G Sullivan, O Lovering, R Ready, T Evison, D Eskins, R Jones, D Goodway.

2nd XI v Tondu, away, from (tbc): S Hood, B Horlock, R Clitheroe, M Thomas, L Bruce, S Ellis, Rhett Jones, T Williams, O Sullivan, H Williams, B Callow, J Langworth.

3rd XI v Chepstow, away, leave Sully Inn, 11.45am (tbc): J Wooden, C Bruce, B Spear, H Miller, D W Sylvester, L Doel, S Davies, R Griffett, D Chalk, D Morgan, A Gilliatt, D P Sylvester.

4th XI v Chepstow, at Wenvoe, 12.45pm, from: M Fisher, I Bennett, L Bennett, N Jones, J Beasley, D Waterhouse, L Cudihy, J Ord, P Harrison, P Barnett, L Burnett, L Jones, G Stone, P Fisher, J Bryan.