Sussex VI fall short away to Northants

After a big opening day win, Sussex VI Sharks (Visually Impaired) made the long journey to face Northants Steelbacks (2021 BCEW League 1 Champions) full of confidence.

Having been asked to bat first, Sussex struggled to build any durable partnerships. Following a series of quick dismissals, the visitors reached 53 for 6 and were in deep trouble. 1

7-year-old Callum Weir was the only Shark to offer resistance with a battling 32 before he was caught behind. Sussex were eventually bowled out for 97 in the 22nd over, three runs shy of earning a second batting point.

Northants knocked off the Sussex runs within 11 overs, driven on their England batsmen, David Howells, who finished unbeaten on 87.  The only highlight for Sussex was another two-wicket burst from Alex Towers, which earned Sussex a bowling bonus point.

The VI Sharks take a break from league action next week, when they host Kent at Blackstone in the Heindrich Swanepoel Memorial Cup. This is the longest running competition in Disability Sport and has been running since 1974.

The Sharks are four-time winners of the competition with the last win coming in 2018.