Sussex Seconds share spoils with Hampshire

Sussex 2nd team, under the guidance of coach Micheal Yardy, continued their T20 campaign with two very intriguing and exciting matches at Horsham CC yesterday. 

In the 1st game Luke Wells smashed some big maximums while Abi Sakande and George Garton showed expert death bowling to secure a stunning win. In the second game Sussex clung on to eight wonderful catches but they couldn’t quite chase down the required 180 runs.

Under cloudless skies and very warm temperatures Horsham looked a real picture with the early season green just about starting to burn off. This led to a very decent batting track and lightning outfield. A fair-sized crowd turned out and enjoyed a great day of cricket.

Wells and club skipper Ben Brown opened with boundaries flowing quickly. It was Wells who really caught the eye with five sixes on route to a 29-ball half century. Laurie Evens was in very good order but was very unlucky to be run out on 36. Harry Finch, skipper for the day, also batted very well with a steady 35 to his name. The hosts finished on a creditable 177 for 7.

Hampshire got off to a similar start with Ervine (57) and McManust (37) looking to take the game. With the score on 144 for 4, Horsham favourite, Tom Haines ran 30 yards to his right to pick up a wonderful catch to remove McManust off the bowling of Sakande. That proved to be the turning point as Hampshire struggled with the sheer pace of Abi and George in the final two overs. Hampshire ended in 6 runs short.

Later in the day Hampshire batted with purpose with most of them getting good starts. Scriven and Hay both got into the 30s. However, the pleasing aspect was the quality of the Sussex catching where they made eight with no drops. On a flat track it was very important that the fielders supported the bowlers in this manner. Garton was perhaps the pick of the bowlers with two for 16 off three. Sussex were set 180 to chase.

Ben Brown hit a quick opening (29) with support from Evans (32) including two sixes. Unfortunately for Sussex several low scores had them on the backfoot as the chase stalled. Luke Wells, batting at six, looked to galvanise the effort. He smashed one six into the adjoining tennis courts wowing the big crowd. The afternoon however belonged to Godsall who took four for 30 as Sussex ended up 29 runs short.

Skipper Finch said after: "It was unfortunate not to take both wins but we will take lessons from the day. Luke Wells works very hard on his T20 skills and he batted very well today. Our young seamers Abi, George and Stuart all bowled very well as did Will Beer."

Our 2nd team are back in action on Thursday 28th June at Beckenham with a double header against Kent (11.30am start). They then head to East Grinstead CC to play Surrey on 3rd July.