Sussex Sharks vs Hertfordshire

Sussex Sharks vs Hertfordshire: Match Report

A classy century from Tom Haines and 96 from skipper Tom Clark ensured Sussex Sharks won a well contested National Counties Friendly against Hertfordshire at Arundel Castle. 

Hertfordshire’s skipper Ben Waring won the toss and elected to bowl and there would have been a sense of regret after the Sussex Sharks opening pair got off to a flyer, putting on 179 runs for the first-wicket stand from just 158 balls.

Clark, who was skippering for the Sharks, made a brisk 96 from 83 balls, whilst Tom Haines went one further, chalking up 102 from 110 including ten 4s and two 6s. 

After Clark was dismissed in the 27th over, Hertfordshire managed to stem the flow of runs somewhat, picking up three wickets along the way to leave the Sharks 255-4 in the 42 over.

However, the incoming pair of Zach Lion-Cachet and Jack Carson batted with freedom and both closed out the innings unbeaten on 30 and 48 respectively. 

That left Hertfordshire requiring 341 to secure victory and their start mirrored that of the Sussex openers, with Chatfield and Harrison also putting on 170 for the first-wicket stand.

Chatfield was the first to depart for 69, but his partner at the top, Harrison, batted beautifully to reach 126 runs from 121 balls. 

From there on however, it was hard work for the remaining Hertfordshire batters, who never really looked like chasing the total down.

Four wickets from Jack Carson and two a piece from Archie Lenham, Fynn Hudson-Prentice and Henry Crocombe meant that Hertfordshire were bowled out for 282 in the 50th over of the contest.

In the end it was a well-earned 58-run victory for the Sussex Sharks, who begin their Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign on Friday 26th July against Notts Outlaws.