Stiaan van Zyl scores century before rain ruins final day against Cardiff MCCU

Rain curtailed Sussex's final pre-season friendly of 2019, with play abandoned just before lunch on day three against Cardiff MCCU. 

On what was a cold and cloudy morning, there was still time for Stiaan van Zyl to score his first ton since returning from injury - before the heavens opened.

van Zyl had finished 92 not out overnight, and returned to the middle alongside Ben Brown. The South African took just two overs to score the eight extra runs he needed to reach his century, with his excellent knock coming off 125 balls, and including 13 fours and one six. 

The South African then retired unbeaten on 103*, while Brown, who was joined at the crease by Luke Wells, added 34 runs to his overnight total. The captain was 86 not out when the rain arrived, while Luke Wells was unbeaten on seven.

Although the match ended in a draw, Sussex were the dominant team throughout their opening first-class fixture of the season. They ended the match 551 runs ahead of their opponents on 274-3. 

Attention now turns to the Specsavers County Championship, with Sussex welcoming Leicestershire to The 1st Central County Ground this Friday. 

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