Depleted Sussex put up valiant effort in final D40 fixture against Wales

Our correspondent reports from Sussex's final match of the D40 National League Divsion 1 season...

On a blisteringly hot Sunday afternoon Sussex played their last D40 league game of the season against Wales.

After a first ever league victory against Essex, hopes were high for a repeat at the quintessentially English village setting of Minster Lovell in Oxfordshire. Unfortunately, with several senior players unavailable for a variety of reasons, Sussex were only able to field 10 players, which meant a long afternoon in the sun was on the cards.

Wales won the toss and elected to bat. Both Wales openers looked very comfortable on what looked a good wicket with a fast outfield. However, the Sussex players stuck to their task and made inroads into the Wales batting line up reducing them to 74 for 6 after 16 overs, including an early run out. The Wales middle order put up some strong resistance and a 7th wicket partnership of 38 enabled them to post a modest 129 runs all out in 30 overs.

Despite the relatively low total, the ten Sussex batsmen knew they would have to work hard to win the game, effectively having to start the innings with one wicket already down. Unfortunately, a wicket in the second and seventh overs reduced Sussex to 9 for 2. The third wicket partnership steadied things and looked to have seen off the opening bowlers, but a frenetic two-over spell immediately after drinks saw Sussex slide from 38 for 2 to 41 for 7 turning the game fully in favour of Wales. The 8th wicket partnership restored some respectability to the score putting on 47 but ultimately the four wickets from the Wales opening bowler had already put paid to Sussex’s chances.

Sussex were finally all out for 88 in the 25th over meaning Wales had won by 41 runs.

Although defeat in the final game was not how Sussex wanted to finish the league season, Sussex were able to field a few upcoming Super 9s (development) players who will benefit the long-term development of the D40 squad.

Finally, we must recognise the dedication shown by all the players, families, and coaching team in making the long trip to Oxford. It is very much appreciated.

The D40 National League - Division 1 table is available here.

Find out more about Sussex's D40 squad and our other disability teams and programmes here. .