Sharks warm up for 'El Clasicoast' with two 2nd XI wins

A number of the Sharks Vitality Blast first team were given a run out as Sussex recorded two victories over Hampshire in the Second XI T20 competition at Blackstone Academy Ground sponsored by Hurstpierpoint College on Monday.

In the day’s first game, a blistering 57-ball 104 from Luke Wright at the top of the order and a 36-ball 64 from Ben Brown saw Sussex post 198 for 6 after winning the toss and batting first.

Hampshire – who had fewer first team players involved in the match - were reduced to 27 for 5 in reply as Abi Sakande, Aaron Thomason, Will Beer and pathway player Henry Crocombe blew away the top order.

Middle and late order resistance eventually saw the visitors finish on 168 for 9, with Sakande – who finished with 4 for 32 from his four overs - and Elliot Hooper picking up the remaining wickets as Sussex took victory by 30 runs.

Spinners Beer and Delray Rawlins were Sussex’s most economical bowlers conceding 28 and 27 runs from their respective four overs.

In the afternoon match, Hampshire won the toss and made 157 for 5 from their 20 overs. Reece Topley impressed with 1 for 24 from his allocation while Danny Briggs returned identical figures with his left-arm spin.

Rashid Khan picked up two wickets, with David Wiese chipping in with one from his two overs.

Contributions across the top order saw Sussex comfortably chase down their target for the loss of four wickets and with 20 balls to spare.

Wiese top-scored with 47 from 31, while there were scores in the twenties for Phil Salt, Laurie Evans, Rawlins and Brown.

The Sharks will face a sterner test when they take on Hampshire’s first team in Wednesday night’s El Clasicoast Blast fixture at The 1st Central County Ground. Tickets are available here.

Full scorecards from Monday’s match are available below.