Sussex defeated by Hampshire in Second Eleven Trophy

Sussex 2nd XI continued their 50-over Trophy campaign at the Ageas Bowl Nursery Ground, Southampton on Tuesday. 

Under sunny skies skipper Tom Haines made a good start to the day by winning the toss and electing to bat. He and Aneesh Kapil opened with authority and quickly took the score past 50 with Kapil clipping a huge six on the way.

Kapil was caught behind for . Haines and Delray Rawlings continued the good work, but the dismissal of Haines for 40 with the score on 89 prompted a collapse. Rawlins (20) was the victim of the first of three direct hit run outs. Laurie Evans (21) was just about set for a good score but was unlucky to pick out a fielder out in the deep. After 39.1 overs, the innings came to a end on 158. 

In reply Hampshire openers, Tom Alsop (91) and Ian Holland (55*) batted beautifully against a spirited Sussex attack. There was no lack of effort from opening bowlers Abi Sakande and Stuart Whittingham but they couldn't find a wicket-taking ball.

Academy seamer, Will Sheffield was the sole Sussex wicket-taker, bowling Holland for 91 in the 23rd over. That left Alsop and Felix Organ to see Hampshire home five balls later.

Sussex 2nd XI coach, Michael Yardy was upbeat after the game. He said "there were positives to work on which we can take into the next game".  

The side are in action again on Monday 14th May when they travel to Newport to take on Glamorgan.