Weather leaves big questions unanswered

SULLY CENTURIONS ...... ...................................198-4 VALE ........................142-6

THIS important Division Three contest at Burnham Avenue was too close to call when rain led to the curtain coming down on proceedings, writes Tony Poole.

Vale had 10 more overs to get the 57 required runs to remain realistic promotion candidates.

But ultimately, both sides had to be satisfied with five points apiece for the abandonment along with bonus points.

It left the top four rungs of the table reading: Crumlin 220 points, Sully Centurions 207, Monmouth 181 and Vale 165.

Vale got off to a great start when dazzling Darren Upham removed Singh first ball courtesy of a Sean Rowland catch.

But the man who was to frustrate Vale, Darren Goodway, settled in at the crease and went on to get a flagship 101 not out.

Gethin Hicks played second fiddle striking 29 while Russell Thomas chipped in with an unbeaten 32.

Fiery paceman James Snelson was the pick of the Corntown attack with 3-55 with the Centurions posting 198-4 off 45 overs.

But given it was a crackerjack batting strip, a few Vale men were licking their chops at tea.

Previous week centurion Alex Davidson this time around got 31 and captain John P Davies 18, as the Corntown boys produced positive vibes towards 199.

Wicket-taker Snelson then put his batting hat on, opening his shoulders to strike successive sixes before holing out deep in the country going for a third maximum on the bounce.

His whirlwind knock was worth 33, and just ahead of rain proving an unwelcome intruder Matthew Thomas was undefeated on 27.

Whether Vale were capable of scoring 57 runs off the last 10 overs will forever remain the question.

This Saturday, Vale challenge lowly Barry Wanderers at the old Sully Hospital ground.