Sussex vs National Counties XI

Sharks vs National Counties XI: Match Report

The Sharks warmed up for Friday's T20 Blast opener with a comfortable win over a National Counties Challengers XI at The 1st Central County Ground.

It was the National Counties XI Challengers who won the toss and put the Sharks into bat, with the familiar Tom Clark partnered by overseas recruit Dan Hughes and the pair wasted no time building a platform for the innings.

Clark and Hughes shared a 103 stand before Clark retired on 49 not-out. Hughes, who has won two Big Bash tournaments in his native Australia, looked in fantastic nick for his first Sharks run-out. 

The Sydney Sixers big-hitter bludgeoned his way to 74 runs from just 42 deliveries, including six 4s and five 6s, a welcome sight for Sharks funs ahead of the T20 Vitality Blast campaign. 

After the first-wicket stand the Challengers managed to stem the row of runs somewhat, before useful knocks from both James Coles (26*) and Fynn Hudson-Prentice (12) took the Sharks to a total of 191-5.

It was a familiar face opening the batting for the visitors, with Sharks' Harrison Ward facing the first delivery the National Counties XI. Ward, a product of the Sussex and Oxfordshire partnership made 9 runs before his wicket was taken by Ollie Robinson. 

The Sharks seam attack of Mills, Robinson, McAndrew and Lamb looks one that could trouble many sides in this year's Blast, particularly with the spin support from Coles and Carson.

The Sharks bowlers ensured the Challengers were always behind the going rate, however skipper Dan Lincoln proved a tough nut to crack.

His impressive 70 from 47 balls ensured his side were still in with a chance until his night was ended by allrounder Danny Lamb, who has settled well on the South coast. 

James Coles proved his worth once again with ball in hand, taking 2 wickets in one over. There was also wickets for McAndrew, Tymal Mills and Fynn Hudson-Prentice to secure victory by 28 runs.