IT was another mixed day for Sully Centurions as the firsts slumped to a heavy defeat at Crumlin, but the seconds continued their good form with a fourth win on the trot, at home to Penarth Thirds.

The firsts, with several regulars injured or unavailable, made a decent start at Crumlin after being put in to bat on a pitch that had seen plenty of overnight and early morning rain.

Ricki Griffett and Gethin Hicks had reached 40 before Griffett was caught behind for 23 off Jolliffe in the ninth over.

Tom Davies joined Hicks and they continued to add runs.

However, when change bowlers Karl Kinsey and Ieuan Veall came on, the situation changed dramatically, and 70-1 became 88-7 within the space of eight overs.

Kinsey claimed the wickets of Davies (21), Hicks (22), Rukshan (2) and the prize wicket of Rhett Jones (11) to slow the run rate to a trickle and end up with the excellent figures of 4-17. Veall also got in on the act with 3-31.

Despite Adam Gilliatt’s fighting 19 not out, the innings closed in the 40th over as Centurions slumped to 129 all out.

The rain that had been threatening soon arrived in the fifth over of Crumlin’s run chase, after Kapil Rokad had just bowled Green for two to leave the score on 20-1.

However, after the delay, the big-hitting Simon Veall came to the crease and wasted no time in dispatching the ball to the boundary, hitting seven fours and six maximums as he reached 79 not out.

Hopkins was 39 not out when the winning runs were scored in the 18th over.

This nine-wicket defeat leaves Sully ninth in the table with five matches remaining.

The second XI batted first at Burnham Avenue in one of the few games in the league not affected by the weather.

Centurions had a marvellous start as Jake Griffett and stand-in skipper Jason Hicks enjoyed an opening stand of 120.

After Hicks was run out for 31 in the 21st over, Kieron Ferriday joined Griffett and the pair added another 49 before the latter’s entertaining innings of 113 came to an end on 169-2.

Ferriday (31), Vasant (26) and Tej (17) were the other main scorers in Centurions’ total of 246-7.

After tea, the Penarth innings got off to a disastrous start, with Harish Hirani having Docherty caught by Nick Jones for a duck with the score on two.

Adams and Raj had added another 25 when Hirani claimed his second victim, with Raj departing for 10.

There were some decent contributions, including 46 from Graveson, 36 from Kathir and 34 from Dan Thacker, but the wickets were falling regularly.

The Penarth batsmen went for the runs but, in spite of two half-century partnerships, the last over arrived with the visitors still requiring 36 for victory.

Hicks bowled a tight over to ensure the improbable target was out of reach.

Hirani, with 4-24, was the pick of the Centurions bowlers, with the other wickets being shared around.

There were two for Tej and one each for Jones, Griffett and Hicks as the Penarth innings closed on 213-9.

This victory sees Centurions rise to fourth place in the table.

This Saturday sees the first host Newport, while the seconds make the short trip to Dinas Powys.

l Sully Centurions are grateful to sponsors United Worldwide Logistics and Whitchurch Builders Suppliers, as well as match ball sponsors Dave & Jen Evans and kit suppliers Classic Sportswear.