Sussex seconds do double over Surrey

Sussex Second team manager, Michael Yardy is getting a fine T20 tune out of his squad members this season, after the Sharks made it six wins from eight at East Grinstead CC on Tuesday.

The personnel may change from week to week but the quality, intensity and skill levels in Yardy's team remained high as the seconds won back to back matches against Surrey Two's. 

Under clear skies and warm temperatures, skipper Harry Finch decided to bat on what looked a flat and hard wicket. Underlying a very promising season for Finch, he expertly carried his bat for 66 runs.

He held the innings together very well with eight fours and a massive six onto the hockey pitch.

U17s skipper Tom Clark and Aneesh Kapil both moved the score along, but it was East Grinstead’s own and Sussex trialist Leo Cammish (51) who really caught the eye. Sussex ended on a slightly under par 156 for 5 off 20 overs. In reply, L Smith (62) and R Patel (31) looked to be getting the job done for Surrey.

However, Sussex, in tough conditions, stuck to their task with excellent ground fielding and five wonderful catches. Not for the first time in this campaign, Sussex's death bowlers showed their class in the final two overs.

With just 12 needed off 12 balls Stuart Whittingham and then Abi Sakande bowled with power, pace and accuracy leaving Surrey three runs short.

In the 2nd fixture of the day, Surrey made great use of a forgiving wicket to pick up a lot of early runs. A Harinath made a 38 ball 60 while F Boys (22) and A Dahl (19) kept the scoreboard ticking along nicely.

Indeed, at one point it did look as though Surrey might break through the 200 barrier. However, skipper Finch brought himself on to great effect picking up two important late wickets, Cammish with a world class catch on the ropes as the visitors were halted on 180.

In reply, Sussex put together a beautifully crafted and timed run chase that had all connections smiling. Clark smashed two sixes on the way to 37 supported by trialist Bradley Erasmus (36). Once again it was Cammish who looked the real deal smashing four sixes as Sussex chased the total in the 18th over.

Wicket keeper batsman Leo said: "I have been playing cricket for years here in Sussex. Two years ago, I moved to Leicester but am now back playing for East Grinstead on Saturday afternoons. It has been going well this season. Having been asked by Sussex to play in this match I jumped at the opportunity. It has been a really enjoyable day!"

Michael Yardy added: "I thought we played really well today against a talented Surrey squad. It's pleasing progress. When pressed about T20 finals day at Arundel on 9th August, the head coach shrugged it off saying: "It would be lovely but there are some tough games to come!"

Our 2nd team are on the road to Taunton Vale to play Somerset on 10th July  (T20) and then 11th through 13th County Championship.

Scorecards from the two matches against Surrey can be found below.