Sussex Seniors lift Over 70s Vase trophy

Sussex Seniors 1st XI Triumph in Vase Final

Last weekend the Sussex Seniors 1st XI beat Warwickshire comfortably to lift the Over 70s Vase at Banbury Cricket Club.

With poor weather around, Sussex travelled to Banbury last weekend hoping to get the Vase Final played against Warwickshire. As it turned out, under grey skies, after Martin Burgess the Sussex skipper, standing in for Roger Tidyman, won the toss and decided to field and fortunately, the rain did not arrive. 

Tight opening bowling by Coe and Daniels kept the scoring rate under 4 for the first half of the Warwickshire innings. After drinks, the opposition increased the rate as Sussex searched for wickets. 

After 30 overs the score stood at 117-1 with the game in the balance. At 40 overs Warwickshire were 197-2 and in a strong position.

However, Sussex suddenly turned the tables when Stilwell and Coe, bowling well at the death, conceded only 16 runs from the final 5 overs, whilst 4 wickets were taken including a team hat-trick. The final total to chase was 213 from 45 overs.

Sussex started positively and were never behind the required rate. Perera and Mansfield proceeded to put together an opening stand of 108 in 20 overs which helped to set up the victory. 

Once the openers departed, Perera with an excellent 61 off 53 balls, the attack was taken up by Seager and Johnson who combined brilliantly in a partnership of 104 to bring Sussex home with 55 balls to spare. 

Seager was particularly severe on the Warwickshire bowlers with 1 six and 15 fours in his 84 not out.

The Vase and medals were presented to Sussex and runners up Warwickshire by Geoff Beale the chairman of the England Seniors, who thanked all concerned, but especially Banbury CC for hosting the final.