Sussex Sharks VI vs Lancashire VI

Sussex Sharks VI vs Lancashire VI: Match Report

On Saturday 1st June Sussex began their National League campaign hosting Lancashire, the sides had finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in National Division 1 last year so a  tight game was expected. 

Lancashire won the toss and inserted their opponents onto  a  pitch that looked quite challenging following all of mays rain. 

Sussex lost both openers cheaply with a  smart field keeping the scoring rate low, Si Ledwith (51) looked to push the scoring on  and after a vicious pull through midwicket had brought up his 50 was dismissed next ball when 

Lancashire took an excellent running catch in the deep. This was the last success for Lancashire as Joe Harrison (77* ) and Toby Collins (50*) pushed the score on to 208-3  before stand in skipper Ian Tiny Morris declared the sharks innings at 30 overs. 

Lancashire shared the three wickets between their opening bowlers and their low extras count had helped to restrict the Sussex scoring.

Lancashire's reply underlined how difficult it was to score as Sussex bowled tight lines but the slow and low nature of the pitch made it very difficult to induce chances. 

Lancashire's opener Mahmood Zahid )42) batted doggedly  but at the other end the Lancashire batters looked more intent on survival than chasing the total. Matt Killen with 2  for 16 off 5  overs and Mark Bonds occasional leg spin returned 3  for 22 off 7 overs  were the pick of the Sussex bowlers but  Lancashire remained resolute and the game ended in a  draw with the visitors scoring 132  for 6.

With Sussex getting 12 points and Lancashire 9 both will be relatively happy with the outcome. Both teams switch their focus to the National knockout cup next with Lancashire travelling to beaten 2023 finalists Northampton and holders Sussex travel to face 2022 cup winners London Metro.