SULLY Centurions’ 1st XI made the journey to Hopkinstown on a glorious sunny day and ran out winners by 70 runs, thanks in the main to a remarkable 7 wicket haul from Lloyd Bruce.

Hopkinstown won the toss and asked Sully to bat first.

Some accurate bowling from the home openers Deane and Blacker frustrated Centurions and by the 16th over the score was 54 for 3. But a half century partnership between Gethin Hicks and Callum Thomas steadied the ship.

When Thomas departed for 19, Hicks, who went on to make 67, joined with Toms Davies (51 not out) in a 6th wicket stand of 84. The final score of 200 ensured maximum batting points.

Centurions' opening bowlers Nathan Cuddihy and Gareth Thomas picked up a wicket each to remove both Hopkinstown openers, Pember and Blacker, very early.

This was followed by Lloyd Bruce removing G Hughes to leave the score on 38 for 3 in the 13th over.

But a half century partnership between J Hughes (25) and Hopkins (37) brought the home side back in contention before Bruce began his one-man demolition job on the middle and lower order. From 105 for 5 the hosts slumped to 130 all out and the game was all over with 16 overs to spare.

Hopkinstown 130 all out Sully Centurions 200-6

The 2nd XI played host to Crumlin 2nd XI and won an exciting match in the final over.

The visitors batted first and, thanks to some determined batting from the middle and lower order, managed to post a total of 179 all out. Pritchard (58) and Parker (33) were top scorers for Crumlin, while Vasant and Hicks took three wickets each for Centurions.

Jake Griffett and Harish Hirani both picked up two wickets.

After tea, despite losing an early wicket, Sully were looking well set at 77 for 1. However, three wickets for 4 runs brought Crumlin back into the reckoning, with skipper Dan Chaulk falling just three short of his half century.

But Jake Griffett (26) and Vasant (28 not out) swung it once again in Centurions' favour. The target was reached in the 39th over, with just 4 balls remaining.

Sully Centurions II 183-8 Crumlin II 179 all out

Centurions, in partnership with Barry Wanderers CC, have been running Friday evening sessions for 5-8-year-old boys and girls, as part of the ECB’s ‘All Stars’ programme. These have proved to be very enjoyable and popular.

Last Friday’s session was well attended, and a good time was had by all.

On 6th July there will be a BBQ and social evening at Burnham Avenue, as a celebration of the cricket World Cup.

he event will commence following that day’s home match (against Barry Athletic CC). All are welcome to attend.

This week Centurions play Monkswood at Burnham Avenue while the 2nd XI travel to Blaengarw. All players are asked to let their captains know of their availability.