By Mick Fisher

SULLY Centurions Cricket Club returned to winning ways when they defeated Tondu by 39 runs in an exciting, high scoring match at Burnham Avenue.

Batting first Centurions enjoyed a magnificent start, with David Goodway and Gethin Hicks dispatching the ball to the boundary at regular intervals as they shared an opening stand of 184. Goodway had reached exactly 100 when he fell to Owen in the 34th over.

Hicks finally went for a well made 83 before Dan Chaulk (28) and Luke Tillbrook (54) took the score along to 286-3 at the close of the innings.

This was Tillbrook's first half century for Sully and included four big 6s.

Thomas (2-63) and Owen (1-50) were Tondu's only successful bowlers.

After tea Tondu showed they were in no mood to lie down as Richards (44) and Thomas (21) shared a half century opening partnership.

Owen followed his two wicket haul by top scoring with 69.

He shared a third wicket stand with former Centurion Liam Woolls (35) as Tondu continued to go for the target.

But once the top order had departed it was difficult for the visitors to keep the momentum going and more wickets began to fall.

The catches all seemed to stick as Centurions began to regain the upper hand.

In spite of a few late blows from Davies (14 not out) and Williams (29) Tondu ended on 247 all out.

New boy Guarav survived a painful return ball to the 'midriff' in the process of bagging two wickets on his debut.

Jake Griffett, still hobbling in the field, returned figures of 2-34, along with 1 for 26 for Dan Chaulk.

But the star bowler was Ricki Griffett, who ended on 5-61, a fitting start to his 30th birthday celebrations.

Sully Centurions 286-3 Tondu II 247 all out

A 2nd XI that contained three debutants had a day to forget at neighbours Barry Wanderers.

Batting first, Centurions had reached 24 when Vasant, who had hit four boundaries in his total of 17, fell to Venkat in the eighth over.

Jason Hicks stayed steady at the other end as Thomas (5) Dinesh (6) Rogers (duck) and Sajid (4) all departed, to leave Sully on 79-5 in the 22nd over.

Hicks had reached 41 when he was bowled by Ram. Jagdish, who reached 22, was the only other batsman to reach double figures and the innings ended on 131 for 9.

The wickets were shared around, with Venkat (2-8, with 4 maidens) Bowker (2-10) and Ram, who bagged 3 for 22, being the most notable.

The home side went about the chase with all guns blazing, with Blundell hitting the first two deliveries to the boundary to get Wanderers off to a flyer.

However, he had reached 17 when Jagdish bowled him in the 7th over.

But this was the last wicket to fall, as Coleman and Ram took a liking to the bowling. Coleman hit six 4's in his 44 not out. Ram hit six 4's and two 6's as he reached 46 not out.

The innings ended in the 24th over, with the winning run coming from a leg bye.

In the end Wanderers enjoyed a thoroughly deserved victory and Centurions lose the top spot in Division 8, only gaining 2 bonus points from this defeat.

Barry Wanderers 132-1 Sully Centurions II 131 all out

On Saturday the 1st XI are away at Miskin Manor while the 2nd XI host Llandaff at Burnham Avenue.

Players are reminded to let the captains know their availability