Inexperienced Sussex side beaten in London Championship opener

Sussex captain Chiara Green was economical with the ball and was her side's top-scorer (Image: Lee Floyd)

A Sussex side missing most of its regional players lost by 110 runs to Kent in the visitor's first match of the Women's London Championship at Nevill Ground, Tunbridge Wells on Tuesday. Kent's win followed on from their victory over Essex on Saturday.  

With the likes of Georgia Adams, Freya Davies, Georgia Elwiss, Tara Norris, Carla Rudd & Danni Wyatt unavailable as a result of Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy commitments, the Sussex side making its maiden appearance in the London Championship was dominated by youngsters.

The home side won the toss and elected to bat, scoring 228 for 5 from their 50 overs thanks largely to a 146-run second wicket partnership between Maxine Blythin (94) and Jemima Spence (66). 

Sussex captain Chiara Green used nine bowlers. Green herself and fellow spinner Beth Harvey were the most economical of the bunch, but it was Emily Spooner (3-26) and Ellen Burt (2-47) who picked up the wickets. 

Faced with a challenging target, Sussex's chase was hampered from the outset by the loss of regular wickets. Green top-scored with 32, but was unable to score freely in the face of a disciplined Kent attack. Her 42-run fifth-wicket stand with Millie Taylor (17) was the only partnership of note as Sussex were dismissed for 118 in 42.3 overs. 

A full scorecard is available here. Sussex's next match in the London Championship is at home against Surrey on Thursday.