London Metro vs Sussex Sharks VI

London Metro vs Sussex Sharks VI: Sharks Ease into Semi-Finals

After lifting the delayed 2023 Primary Club cup just 4  weeks earlier Sussex travelled to London Metro  in the quarter-finals of this years competition. 

After unavailability had seen the Sharks reach deep into their squad in recent weeks they were able to select the same side that lifted the trophy at The 1st Central County Ground. 

After Skipper Dan Field called correctly Sharks had no hesitation in inserting their hosts as a shower just before the toss looked like it might have livened up a  very turgid looking pitch.

Metro started watchfully  as the sharks bowled tight lines, former England Captain Matt dean fell to a catch from totally blind Dave Daniels off the bowling of his Son Phil Daniels (2 wickets for 8 runs). 

Dave then came on as first change and bowled miserly with just 13 runs coming off his 6 overs and picking up a wicket.

Ian 'Tiny' Morris supported ably with 2 for 35 off 5  and at the halfway point Metro were on 66 for 3  off 15 overs. 

Thomas Froud (28) looked to try and accelerate the scoring for Metro but Alex Towers(2  for 16) , Marcus Kipling (1 for 23) and Joe Harrison (2 for 6) kept the pressure up and Metro looked short of par when their innings closed on 106 all out in the 28th over.

 Metro’s express paceman Mo Gallib 2 for 20 off 6 overs opened the bowling and dismissed both openers but in their search for wickets Metro bowled him through as Sussex just looked to block out his spell. 

Si Ledwith fell to a  spectacular catch from totally blind Rob McKenzie who held a full blooded pull  from point blank range. 

With the Sharks three down this was the last success for Metro as a watchful Dan Field (31) not-out and Joe Harrison (27) not-out knocked the ball around to take the sharks over the line with 12 overs to spare.

Sussex now face the trip to the West Country to face Somerset in the semi-final, whilst on the other side of the draw beaten finalists Northants will host 2nd division Kent in the other semi.