By Mick Fisher

SULLY Centurions CC travelled to league leaders Ebbw Vale on a hot afternoon and, with Jake Griffett playing virtually on one leg and three 2nd XI players drafted in due to unavailability, they were heavily beaten as their poor run of form continued.

Ebbw Vale won the toss and, of course, asked Centurions to field. After the early dismissal of Daniel Blake, who was caught and bowled by Lloyd Bruce with the score on 24, the home side began to take control.

Wacquar hit 80 and Morgan got 49 in a third wicket stand of 148. then Windross (23) and Watkins (42) had fun as the score steadily climbed.

Most of the bowlers took a hammering as the fielders wilted in the sun - although Jake Griffett's figures of 1-29 off 9 overs were easily the best. The innings closed on 273-6.

After tea it didn't take long for things to unravel. David Goodway was first to go, when he fell to Windross for a first over duck.

This was followed by skipper Rhett Jones, who was unlucky to be given out caught behind when it was clear that the ball had come off his shoulder, not his bat.

After this, the wickets fell at regular intervals Only Shae Ellis, who narrowly missed out a half century, and Luke Tillbrook (27) showed any real form with the bat and the innings ended after 33 overs with the score on 136.

Ebbw Vale 273-6 Sully Centurions 1st XI 136 all out

The 2nd XI march on at the top of Division 8 with an emphatic home win against Ponthir. Batting first, Sully lost the early wicket of Dan Merchant for 10, with the score on 21.

Andy Matthews was unfortunately run out for just 2 on 48, but then long serving Centurions Herbie Miller (54) and Terry Williams (27) shared a partnership of 35 to drag the game back in the home side's favour.

Miller continued with Steve Morse (10) and, aided by some poor bowling, which produced plenty of wides, put on 63 for the 4th wicket.

With Harish (17 not out) and Jagdish (10) enjoying themselves at the back end of the innings, the score rattled along to 197 for 6 at the end of the 40 overs.

In reply, the visitors were soon in trouble, losing three wickets before they had reached 20.

Only three players got into double figures, with Joseph, who hit 26, being Ponthir's top scorer.

Jagdish (3 for 21) was the pick of Centurions' bowlers, with Terry Williams (2-10) and Harish, who had 2 for 14, helping to keep the score down and the wickets falling.

The innings closed in the 32nd over when Ponthir were finally bowled out for exactly 100. the 20 points secured in this match means that Centurions remain 10 points clear at the top of the division.

Sully Centurions 2nd XI 197-6 Ponthir 2nd XI 100 all out

This weekend the 1st XI are at home against Tondu at Burnham Avenue and the 2nd XI make the short trip to Hayes Point to face neighbours Barry Wanderers. Once again, players are reminded to let the captains know their availability.