SULLY Centurions’ 1st XI got the league season underway when they hosted Rogerstone Welfare at Burnham Avenue, eventually losing in a close fought encounter.

New boys Santosh Singh (20) and Sanjeev Bidurguppa (11) took the score along to 31 before Santosh fell leg before wicket (lbw) to Ramji.

Sanjeev suffered the same fate, being the first of Greening’s three victims with the score on 42. Tom Davies came and went without troubling the scorers.

With the demise of Pavel for 15 and skipper Lloyd Bruce for eight, Centurions looked in trouble with the score on 59 for five after 18 overs. This brought together the third newcomer Sandeep Shokeen (41) and Patel (73) who shared a century stand to put the home side back on track.

Ben Spear hit a whirlwind 36 before departing to leave Centurions on 223 for seven in the 46th over. But, although Sully gained maximum batting points, the last three wickets fell for just four runs to leave a final score of 227 all out.

After tea Centurions’ opening bowlers restricted Rogerstone to 62 for three after 16 overs, but a century fourth wicket partnership between Holdaway (107 not out) and Jones (60) swung the game round in the visitors’ favour.

In spite of a couple of wickets each for Shae Ellis (two for 42) and Sanjeev (two for 21) along with Nathan Cuddihy’s one for 35, Rogerstone reached the target in the 48th over.

Sully Centurions 227 all out Rogerstone Welfare 229 for five.

The seconds arrived at Rogerstone with just seven players, thanks to last minute drop outs and unavailability. The home side sportingly lent three fielders, for which Centurions were extremely grateful.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Rogerstone openers Trinder and Robson took the score along to 50 before Robson (16) fell to a fine caught and bowled by Peter Thomas. Trinder continued to play his shots and had added a further 74 with Jamil when Steve Morse bowled Jamil for 24 - this was Steve's first league wicket.

Mick Fisher took two wickets for 32, having Berry stumped by Lewis Pyke for six and Nel lbw for a duck. The innings closed with opener Trinder hitting exactly 100 for Rogerstone to finish on 173 for four.

Sully were left to ponder on what might have been when they looked back on Trinder being dropped in the second over before he had got going.

Sully's innings took on a similar shape, with Dave Sylvester and Peter Thomas reaching 50 for the first wicket, when Sylvester was adjudged lbw for four. Thomas was joined by Steve Morse, who rode his luck in between some hefty shots and was on 17 when he was bowled by Berry with the score on 110.

Thomas continued finding the boundary but he lost Lewis Pyke (0) and Luke Burnett (2) before falling victim to an excellent caught and bowled by Reed for a marvellous 102, his very first century for the club, with the score on 141.

The last wicket pair of Iwan Thomas and Mick Fisher had added another 11 when Iwan became Berry's third victim when he was bowled for nine - leaving the score on 152 for six.

A great game of cricket played in excellent spirit.

Rogerstone Welfare II 173 for four Sully Centurions II 152 all out.

This week the 1st XI are at home to Ponthir and the 2nds are away to Ponthir’s 2nd XI. Please can all players contact Lloyd Bruce (1st XI) and Dave Sylvester (2nd XI) to confirm availability.

All players are reminded that nets are held at Burnham Avenue on Thursdays, with a 6pm start

On Sunday, Centurions are at home to Pentyrch CC in the Davidstow Village Cup. Why not come along and enjoy the day?