National League frustration for Sussex VI

Saturday 12th August saw Sussex face London Metro at Blackstone in a game that would decide the 2023 BCEW National League title. The equation for Sussex was simple, only a win keep their hopes alive of retaining their national title.

Sussex won the toss and inserted their opponents in very challenging conditions. The high winds made bowling extremely difficult and the usually parsimonious Sussex attack hemorrhaged extras.

England's Matt Dean (73) and former England man Rory Field (53) provided the backbone of the Metro innings as they looked to bat long and secure the draw. Alex Towers (2 for 66) put in an incredible 11-over spell, bowling into the teeth of the gale, and captain Dan Field (4  for 4) were the pick of the bowlers.

The Metro innings closed on 228 for 8 leaving Sussex just 20 overs to knock the runs off.

The spirit in the camp was still good as Sussex were looking for a  repeat of the T20 final from 2019 when they had chased down 261 with 4  balls to spare.

The most notable change was that the wind had dropped significantly during the tea break and this helped the Metro bowlers to keep the ball straight.

Toby Collins (37) set the platform but there was still a huge challenge to keep up with the required run rate. Despite a blazing 97* off 44 balls from Dan Field, Sussex closed on 181-4 leaving the Londoners to claim this year's title.

Skipper, Field said “Today was a tough result to take. It was one of those days where early chances just didn’t go to hand and we didn’t really get the rub of the green with the conditions but I couldn’t have asked any more of my team and we will now focus on winning both cup competitions.”

The season is still very much alive for the VI Sharks as they travel to Lancashire on Saturday for the semi final of the Heidrich Swanapoel Memorial National Knockout cup and they will be at T20 finals day later in September.