Young combined Sussex/Kent side beaten by Middlesex

Ali Orr top-scored for Sussex/Kent in their second innings

Sussex, playing as part of a combined side with Kent, lost their opening match of this year's 2nd XI Championship against Middlesex by an innings and 236 runs.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first at Merchant Taylors' School, an inexperienced Sussex/Kent batting line up were skittled by a Middlesex attack featuring the likes of Steven Finn, James Harris and Nathan Sowter for just 71.

Pathway player, Ollie Carter (15) was the only Sussex player to make it into double figures, while Kent's Jaskaran Singh top-scored from number eleven with 17 not out. Harris picked up 3 for 7, Finn 2 for 6 and Sowter 2 for 14.

The home side replied with 508 for 9, with first-year pro Luke Hollman top-scoring with 96. There were half centuries for fellow rookie Joe Cracknell and Blake Cullen. Sussex's own first-year professional, Jamie Atkins, was impressively economical and finished with 1 for 34 from 16.5 overs. Sixteen-year-old leg-spinner Archie Lenham picked up two wickets, while 17-year-old slow left-armer James Coles took one. Singh and his Kent teammate Fred Klaasen both finished with two wickets.

Sussex/Kent made a better fist of things in their second innings. Sussex's latest professional, Ali Orr top-scored with 38 at the top of the order, while Coles made 33 from number four as the composite side were bowled out for 201 to grant Middlesex a comfortable win. 

Full scorecard

Sussex and Kent will combine forces again for their next match in the 2nd XI Championship against Hampshire at Polo Farm Sports Ground, Canterbury from Monday. All 2nd XI fixtures are played behind closed doors until further notice.