John Simpson’s 18th first-class century put Hampshire on the ropes as Sussex ended day two with a Rothesay County Championship victory in sight at Utilita Bowl.

Skipper Simpson was superb to record back-to-back centuries, and third of the campaign, as he scored 106 – which included a 173-run stand with 78-maker Fynn Hudson-Prentice.

Sussex claimed a 143-run first-innings lead before six evening wickets tore through Hampshire – as they closed on 114 for six, still behind by 29.

Simpson and Hudson-Prentice had shrugged off a slump on the first evening, after coming together at 83 for five. They blocked, left and survived for 16 overs to close.

The new morning brought overhead conditions seemingly perfect for bowling, but a slow pitch that once you could get in as a batter, you could stick around; and that is what the sixth wicket pair did.

Having been 44 runs behind at the start of the season, they quickly reached parity within an hour with sprightly cricket.

Both reached half-centuries before lunch, Simpson in 111 balls, Hudson-Prentice in 116. Everything they did made the bowling look toiled.

If a wicketless first session was frustrating for Hampshire, the afternoon was unpleasant due to a bout of the butterfingers – something that has marred their season with 25 chances already grassed.

Hudson-Prentice was put down by a regulation catch at first slip on 51 and at midwicket on 70 before he was finally pinned lbw as Brad Wheal found success with the new ball.

Jack Carson was dropped on nought at square leg, before taking 18 deliveries to get off the mark, but once he did he was a fluent partner for Simpson – who had been dropped first ball the previous day.

Simpson has taken to Division One cricket identically to Division Two. Having not reached three figures in 2023 but pumped out five tons in 2024 to lead promotion before filing two going into this round this year.

There was little surprise he converted once again, this time in 207 deliveries – even less surprising was that he reached the milestone by being dropped while pulling.

Even when Hampshire had thought they had held a catch – Simpson at first slip on 104 – it was clearly a bump ball.

The first day had been headlined by two spells of wickets, another pair of collapses either side of tea proved the rule that this pitch was ripe for collapses.

The last four Sussex wickets fell in 11 balls as James Fuller ended Carson and Simpson’s 40-run stand when Carson was leg before, before the fast bowler castled Nathan McAndrew.

Liam Dawson finished things off by getting Ari Karvelas caught at first slip and Henry Crocombe lbw, which left Sussex three runs shy of a second batting point.

Fletcha Middleton and Mark Stoneman put on 38 in 14 overs to suggest they could bed in, but after Middleton was leg-before, things turned south for the hosts.

Stoneman, Nick Gubbins and Tom Prest all departed in 13 deliveries. Stoneman tickled behind, Gubbins was unlucky to be lbw to one which stayed very low and Prest missed a straight on.

Ben Brown, unbeaten in the first innings, was bowled by a flighty delivery from Carson to leave Hampshire 90 for five, and still 53 in arrears.

Toby Albert was also bowled by Carson to add to the malaise with a three-day Sussex victory almost inevitable. 

By Alex Smith, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay

For more information about Rothesay, please visit www.ecb.co.uk/about/who-we-are/our-partners/rothesay

Sussex Cricket Foundation Hosts Landmark Weekend 

Celebrating Disability Cricket

Last week, the Sussex Cricket Foundation proudly showcased its continued commitment to inclusive sport with a landmark weekend of Disability Cricket at The 1st Central County Ground, in partnership with the ECB, Lord’s Taverners and Webtrends Optimize. 

Festivities began on Friday, 16th May, with DIScoverABILITY Day, bringing together participants from across the county for a day of fun, engagement, and sport. 

The celebrations continued on Sunday, 18th May, with the launch of the inaugural Disability T10 Cup, introducing an exciting new format to the disability cricket calendar.

It was yet another day of sunshine and smiles on Friday 16th when the Sussex Cricket Foundation welcomed over 750 participants, as well as 150 volunteers from a variety of schools and organisations across the county to come and play on the hallowed turf at Hove.

Sports leaders from local secondary schools across the city escorted participants around different zones across the pitch, providing activities such as table cricket, football, wheelchair rugby, mini-golf and even modified boxing!

Lucy Western, star of the Sussex Sharks Women’s team and newly announced Sussex Cricket Foundation ambassador was also in attendance joining in with the fun and games alongside the participants. 

The weekend’s celebrations didn’t end there. Sussex Cricket and the Sussex Cricket Foundation proudly hosted the inaugural T10 Disability Cricket Cup, a groundbreaking tournament that brought together 40 of the nation’s top Disability Cricketers for a thrilling knockout competition at The 1st Central County Ground in Hove.

Broadcast live on the Club’s website with full commentary, the event drew more than 5,000 viewers throughout the day, as fans from across the country tuned in to witness an exceptional showcase of talent and competitive spirit.

The tournament reached a dramatic conclusion, with Hampshire clinching victory on the very last ball of the final, edging past Surrey in a nail-biting finish to claim the historic first title.

Speaking on the historic tournament, Sussex Sharks D40 captain, James Bunday commented: “The first thing I would like to say about the T10 Cup, is a massive ‘thank you’ to each & every person who helped to facilitate such an amazing opportunity for me and the rest of the players. 

“Thanks also to Matt Smith and his team at Webtrends Optimize, who continues to support Disability Cricket in Sussex, and Sussex Cricket generally.”

Essex D40 captain, Joe Moss, added: I would like to thank Sussex and Tom Belcher for inviting Essex to be a part of this, the first T10 Disability Cup. The weekend was fabulous. I think this should be an annual event.

“Just to be able to play our program is really positive but to make people‘s dreams come true by playing at pro grounds and being treated like the pros is what every disability player dreams of and that’s what we experienced on Sunday.”

With such a positive impact made across the weekend, Disability Cricket Manager for the Sussex Cricket Foundation, Tom Belcher, is planning on coming back bigger and better in 2026: “It was yet another historic day for everyone involved in Disability Cricket this weekend. I am so proud that our Club has hosted two spectacularly impactful events across one weekend. 

“Disability Cricket in Sussex is in a fantastic place, including our VI team who are currently top of their league!

“Thank you to everyone who made this possible, including Webtrends Optimize, Lord’s Taverners and the ECB. Keep an eye out for us next season!” 

To find out more about Disability Cricket in Sussex, or to find out more about the Sussex Cricket Foundation, please visit: www.sussexcricket.co.uk/foundation 

To view photos from DIScoverABILITY Day, please click here. For photos from the T20 Cup photos, click here.

Henry Crocombe and John Turner demonstrated their winter work with Dale Steyn with whirlwind spells as 15 wickets fell on the first day at Utilita Bowl in the Rothesay County Championship.

Fast bowlers Crocombe and Turner were part of the England Lions squad mentored by South Africa legend Steyn, and coached by England great Andrew Flintoff, over the winter.

Sussex’s Crocombe, on his first appearance of the summer, claimed four for 27 – with his four wickets coming in 11 afternoon deliveries – to roll south coast rivals Hampshire for 154.

In reply, Turner ripped through the Sussex middle-order with three scalps in nine evening balls as the visitors slipped to 83 for five, before blocking their way to 110 for five by close – still 44 runs behind.

Hampshire chose to bat on a very green surface, one which would prove to nip and bounce unevenly as the day progressed.

Mark Stoneman only lasted four balls before he edged to second slip – the first of five Hampshire ducks. The rest of the host’s top order all got starts, but only Ben Brown would kick on.

Fletcha Middleton, on the back of a match-winning 76 at Trent Bridge, oozed confidence with 34 and dominated a 43-run stand with Nick Gubbins.

But he fell leg-before to Fynn Hudson-Prentice, before Tom Prest cramped himself for room and was caught at second slip for 18 and Gubbins was lbw to Jack Carson’s second delivery.

Liam Dawson began with four, six, four off Carson, but post-lunch Crocombe came alive with a blistering spell.

Crocombe hadn’t played so far this season due to a shoulder injury – which has dogged his recent campaigns – but with a return to fitness tied with Ollie Robinson rested with an ankle problem, he stepped up.

A strong end to last season, having only made his first first-team appearance of the season in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup in July, earned him a place on the Lions tour to South Africa. He only played once, taking a tidy two-for.

He sent Liam Dawson’s leg stumps spearing, before yorking Toby Albert first up. His hat-trick ball was a low full toss, but in his following over, he displaced James Fuller’s middle-stump with one that jagged back.

His fourth wicket in 11 balls saw one rise off a length to take the shoulder of Kyle Abbott’s bat and leap to third slip.

Brown looked unbeatable as he went to 50 in 98 balls, against the team he spent 14 years, but there was little other resistance. James Coles polished off the tail by bowling Brad Wheal and John Turner.

In reply, Sussex’s openers weren’t allowed to settle, with Tom Haines pouched at first slip and Oli Carter caught behind.

But Tom Alsop and Coles put on 63 runs without a great deal of worry before Turner did his best Crocombe impression.

Having gone for 19 runs in his first 17 legal deliveries, Turner produced searing pace to take Alsop’s outside edge from just back of a length.

The out-of-form Tom Clark was squared up to edged to the cordon, before Coles was castled attempting a booming drive. Turner had three wickets in nine balls to put Sussex in trouble.

John Simpson, who was dropped first ball, barely played a shot in anger as he and Hudson-Prentice reached close without further damage, facing 94 balls in their stubborn partnership.

By Alex Smith, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay

Spectator Information

England Women return to The 1st Central County Ground tonight to take on West Indies Women in the second of three IT20’s. Limited tickets remain for this match, so we recommend you grabbing your ticket now to avoid disappointment. And, if you are planning on joining us, we’ve pulled together all the information you need to plan your evening with us. 

Gate Opening Times

The first ball is at 6.35pm with hospitality guests and general admission supporters welcome from 5pm when the gates open.

Sixes Launch Night 

If you're coming to our Sixes Social Cricket launch night, the team will have emailed you the instructions you need, entry is permitted from 430pm.

Entrances

There are two entrances to the ground. The main gate is on Eaton Road adjacent to The Sussex Cricketer pub. 

The other gate is located at the North End of Palmeira Avenue at the northeast corner of the ground.

Attendees with a valid match day ticket can gain admission from either gate. Hospitality and Sixes guest MUST enter through the main entrance on Eaton Road. 

How to Get Here

The 1st Central County Ground is located on Eaton Road, Hove, a short walk from Hove railway station and numerous local bus stops.

For full information on how to get here, please click here. No Parking is avaialble at the ground. 

Freebies and Activations

4 & 6 Cards

Plenty of free 4 & 6 Cards will be available around the ground to help you celebrate every boundary plus, don't forget to grab your free scorecard!

T-Shirts, Glasses and Hairy Headbands

It wouldn't be a T20 night at Hove without our freebies! Keep an eye out for glasses, t-shirts and 1st Central hairy headbands to help you get in the party mood! 

Food and Beverages

A variety of food units will be on site to ensure you do not go hungry or thirsty during the action. Whether you're looking for a hot or cold snack, tea, coffee or maybe an alcoholic beverage, we've got you covered. 

Please be aware that food and alcohol is not permitted to be brought into The 1st Central County Ground for international fixtures.

Our main food and beverage outlets are located at the South West (behind the Webtrends Optimize stand) and in the North East (behind the Family and North Stands) areas of the ground. 

If you're sitting in the main Pavilion this evening you'll have access to a bar serving all the usual hot and cold drink suspects, plus, a special dish of the day, as well as other snacks to keep everyone going. 

North East Food and Beverages

At the North East end of the ground you'll find a wide range of concessions selling pizza, burgers and ice cream, as well as our own bar serving a range of alcholic and non-alcholic drinks, including teas and coffees. Keep an eye out for the wonderful Higgidy Pies served out of the North Bar! 

South West Food and Beverages

Take your pick from a fantastic selection of hot food outlets, including fish & chips, noodles, smash burgers and more. Plus, make sure you pop into our brand new Sixes Social Bar where you'll find a lively bar with a wide ranging menu of hot and cold drinks, as well as delicious pizzas, burgers, nachos and more! 

Club Shop

Great news! Our brand new Club Shop is open for business! Located behind the Webtrends Optimize, the store will be selling official Sussex Sharks merchandise throughout the night. 

Multi-faith and Changing Places rooms

For those spectators who require a room to practice their faith, or time spend some time in contemplation, the Multi-faith room is open to people from any background or religion. 

The space, which opened last summer is located adjacent to the indoor school at the Cromwell Road End of the ground, next to the outdoor nets. 

We also have a dedicated Changing Places Room, available for anyone to use, regardless of your access needs, disability or if you rely on assistance or carers or specialist equipment. 

The Changing Places Room is in front of the Indoor School on the Eaton Road side of the ground. 

A Cashless Venue

We’d like to remind all spectators that The 1st Central County Ground is now a cashless venue. 

This means that only card or contactless payments will be accepted (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) throughout our venue. 

This will apply to all outlets at Hove, including food and beverage kiosks, ticketing, membership and our Club retail shop.

Cricket is for Everyone

Sussex is for everyone. Cricket is for everyone. Call it out!

That’s why we are committed to our zero-tolerance policy when it comes to discrimination, anti-social behaviour and abuse in all its forms.

If you witness racist of homophobic abuse, or any form of discrimination or anti-social behaviour you can anonymously text ‘SHARKS’ plus details of the incident, to 07840852792.

Smoking and Vaping 

Out of respect to fellow supporters we would remind you that smoking and vaping is only permitted in the outer perimeter road and strictly not within the seating areas of the venue. Thank you for your cooperation.

Refund & Rollback policy

Should rain impact the fixture, if less than 10 overs are played, our Refund & Rollback Policy will be in place. To view the policy, click here.

How to Watch

Tonight's IT20 game will be shown live on Sky Sports Cricket from 6.30pm and will not be available on our livestream. 

Tickets

Tickets remain in very limited supply for this fixture. You can get yours via this link. Tickets start from just £10!

It's a second away trip in succession for Sussex, who will be looking to put last week's defeat at Taunton behind them, as they travel to Southampton to take on local rivals Hampshire. It will be the first County Championship meeting between the sides in almost a decade.

Team News

Paul Farbrace has named a 14-player squad for the trip to Southampton, with three changes from the squad that travelled to Taunton last week. 

Daniel Hughes has not been included in the squad as he remains with his partner, who is expecting the birth of their child. Ollie Robinson is rested for the trip to Hampshire as he manages an ankle injury, while James Hayes has returned to Nottinghamshire following the end of his loan.

Henry Crocombe, Daniel Ibrahim and George Thomas have all been included in the squad - each for the first time this season. Crocombe has missed the early part of the season with a shoulder injury but returned to the 2nd XI for their three-day friendly at Middlesex ten days ago. Ibrahim and Thomas have both been in good form for the 2nd XI this season - the former scored a fantastic 124 runs in the aforementioned encounter with Middlesex, while Thomas score a half century against Durham earlier this season.

Squad: Alsop, Carson, Carter, Clark, Coles, Crocombe, Haines, Hudson-Prentice, Ibrahim, Karvelas, Lamb, McAndrew, Simpson* (wk), Thomas

The Opposition

Just four points separates the two sides ahead of tomorrow's fixture, with Hampshire in 5th and Sussex 6th in the Division One standings.

At Edgbaston last weekend, Hampshire wrapped up a pretty convincing victory against Warwickshire, by 89 runs, claiming 21 out of a possible 24 points. 

Kyle Abbott's five wickets helped Hampshire to a first-innings lead of 106 before Fletcha Middleton added a gritty 76 runs in the second innings to set Warwickshire a target of 310. James Fuller claimed a five-wicket haul of his own in the final innings of the match to see Hants to victory.

How to Watch

As always, you can watch every ball, free of charge, via our Match Day Centre. You will need to register for a free account to access the stream, statistics, replays and live scorecard. You can find information on how to register here.

The action gets underway tomorrow at 11am. 

Sussex's Tom Haines has been selected for the forthcoming England Lions' two four-day matches against India A, with the opening match at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence in Canterbury from Friday 30 May. The second match will be staged at the County Ground in Northampton from Friday 6 June.

Haines has began the season in fine form, already racking up 640 runs in the County Championship at an average of 58.18 - the third-highest run scorer in Division One thus far.

But this is only a more recent view on an opening batter who has consistently impressed for the county. After recording an impressive 1176 runs in 2021, he took on the captaincy and contributed another 941 the season after, which included a career-best 243 at Derby. A Lions call followed in the 2022-23 winter, with Haines scoring a century on debut in Galle. And last season his runs proved pivotal as Sussex returned to the top division for the first time in 10 years.

Squad

An initial 14-player squad has been announced, with Somerset’s James Rew captaining the Lions for the first time.

James Rew (Somerset)
Farhan Ahmed (Nottinghamshire)
Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
Sonny Baker (Hampshire)
Jordan Cox (Essex)
Rocky Flintoff (Lancashire)
Emilio Gay (Durham)
Tom Haines (Sussex)
George Hill (Yorkshire)
Josh Hull (Leicestershire)
Eddie Jack (Hampshire)
Ben McKinney (Durham)
Dan Mousley (Warwickshire)
Ajeet Singh Dale (Gloucestershire)
Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

Chris Woakes is selected after an ankle injury has delayed his start to the summer while brothers Farhan and Rehan Ahmed are selected in the same England representative squad for the first time. Rehan Ahmed will be available for the opening match in Canterbury before joining the England Men’s squad for their Vitality IT20 series against West Indies.

Essex batter Jordan Cox is set to return for the second fixture after an abdominal muscle injury ruled him out of this week’s first Rothesay Test match against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.

ECB Performance Director for Men’s Cricket, Ed Barney, said: “This series against a strong India A side is a huge opportunity for an exciting and highly talented group of players. It will provide an opportunity both individually and collectively to excel on the international stage as we continue to succession plan for England’s future needs.”
 

We wish Tom all the very best in his thoroughly deserved call-up!

England Men’s Mixed Disability squad announced for historic series

England Men’s Mixed Disability team have named their squad for the historic series against India, which includes call ups for Sussex players Liam O'Brien and Alfie Pyle.

For the first time at international level, players from different disciplines of disability cricket will play together in one team – with Physical Disability, Learning Disability and Hearing Impaired players coming together to form the side.

Callum Flynn, who has been captain of England Men’s Physically Disabled team, will become the first ever captain of England Men’s Mixed Disability side. The team will be coached by Jason Weaver.

Callum Flynn (Lancashire, PD, captain)

Dan Bowser (Devon, LD)

Angus Brown (Hampshire, PD)

James Dixon (Lancashire, Deaf)

Chris Edwards (Cheshire, LD)

Will Flynn (Hampshire, PD)

Ronnie Jackson (Essex, LD)

Farooq Mohammed (Middlesex, Deaf)

Liam O’Brien (Sussex, PD)

Brendon Parr (Devon, PD)

Josh Price (Surrey, Deaf)

Alfie Pyle (Sussex, LD)

Dan Reynaldo (Hampshire, PD)

Henry Wainman (Yorkshire, Deaf)

Jordan Williams (Lancashire, PD)

The team will play India in seven Vitality IT20s. Each format of disability cricket must be represented by three players in the starting XI.

On being called up to the squad, Pyle said: "I am very pleased to have been selected to play for the PAN disability against India. 

"Thank you to Neil Bradshaw, Jen and the coaching staff. I also want to say thank you to Tom Belcher, Gary Wallis-Tayler and the wider coaching team at Sussex for their support."

Sussex Cricket Foundation's Community Cricket Director, Gary Wallis-Tayler said: "We are incredibly proud that Alfie & Liam have both been called up to this historic series vs India, to showcase Disability Cricket on a global stage. 

"This is not only reward for both players incredible talent & hard work to succeed but also reward for the Sussex Cricket Foundation who go above and beyond to ensure disability participants get opportunities to showcase and fulfil their potential."

Ian Martin, ECB Head of Disability Cricket, said: “We’re getting closer to such a huge moment for disability cricket and it’s thrilling to be able to name a squad.

“When you’ve watched the Physical Disability, Learning Disability and Hearing Impaired squads for as long as I have, to see these kind of names together in one squad is hugely exciting. The standard is going to be through the roof, and I just know that people who’ve never watched disability cricket before are going to love what they see.

“I’m delighted to be able to confirm Callum as the captain of this side, as well. He’s a terrific leader, he’s someone who commands respect and it’ll be special for him and all his teammates to walk out together as the first England Men’s Mixed Disability side.

“I’m hoping that the cricket on show in this series demonstrates what a huge moment of progress this could be for disability cricket and disability sport in general, and I hope it helps more people across the world access our game.”

Mixed Disability Vitality IT20 Series

Saturday 21 June: 1st Mixed Disability Vitality IT20: England Men’s Mixed Disability v India Men’s Mixed Disability, Taunton, 6.30pm

Monday 23 June: 2nd Mixed Disability Vitality IT20: England Men’s Mixed Disability v India Men’s Mixed Disability, Wormsley, 5pm

Wednesday 25 June: 3rd Mixed Disability Vitality IT20: England Men’s Mixed Disability v India Men’s Mixed Disability, Lord's, 3.30pm

Friday 27 June: 4th Mixed Disability Vitality IT20: England Men’s Mixed Disability v India Men’s Mixed Disability, Worcester, 5pm

Sunday 29 June: 5th Mixed Disability Vitality IT20: England Men’s Mixed Disability v India Men’s Mixed Disability, Worcester, 2.30pm

Thursday 1 July: 6th Mixed Disability Vitality IT20: England Men’s Mixed Disability v India Men’s Mixed Disability, Bristol, 2pm

Tuesday 3 July: 7th Mixed Disability Vitality IT20: England Men’s Mixed Disability v India Men’s Mixed Disability, Bristol, 6.30pm

Hitting The Bar For Six! Sussex Cricket Unveils New T20 Destination Pub In Partnership With Laine Brew Co at The 1st Central County Ground

Sussex Cricket is excited to announce a new partnership with local brewery Laine Brew Co. Together, they will launch a brand new destination pub at The 1st Central County Ground in Hove, just in time for the T20 season.

Offering some of the best views in the ground, the new Silly Point Pub will serve a curated selection of Laine Brew Co beers— each inspired by the bold, creative spirit of Brighton & Hove, alongside Heineken UK beers.

Located at the North-East end of the iconic home of the Sussex Sharks, the Silly Point Pub will be open exclusively during T20 Vitality Blast matches. 

Supporters can also enjoy complimentary snacks, ensuring Sharks fans stay refreshed and energised in a private area throughout the matchday excitement.

Commenting on the announcement, Sam Graham, Director of Growth at Sussex Cricket, said:
“I’m absolutely thrilled to unveil the launch of our exclusive new Silly Point Pub ahead of the T20 Blast season, in partnership with Laine Brew Co.

“This premium addition offers Sharks fans an incredible new way to enjoy the excitement of T20 cricket, while also marking another significant collaboration with a top-tier local business from our thriving city.”

Russ Danks, Managing Director from Laine Brew Co, added: “It’s a fantastic partnership we’ve got with Sussex Cricket Club here. The Silly Point Pub will show what’s possible when local businesses team together.  What could be better than watching a Sussex team paired with a great pint! We can’t wait for the fans to be bowled over by what we’ve put together.”

About Laine

If you’re big on great pubs and even better vibes, you probably already have a favourite Laine Pub or festival. A group of over 50 independently run boozers in Brighton, London, and Birmingham, we’re all about saying hell no to the status quo. From SpiegelGardens to Wunda’s Wicked Weekend, we bring festivals to Brighton with a bang. Old-school traditions? Nah, we’ll pass. Our community of diverse, creative change-makers build their own boozers, reflecting the individuals who make them. Pioneers of the present, we’re cultural catalysts, architects of epic moments crafting everything from club nights to gaming gatherings all in the name of welcoming the next generation of pub-goers into joyful, experimental spaces with style.

Purchase your tickets now for our upcoming T20 matches at the new Silly Point Pub!

Somerset v Sussex: Day Three Report

 Lewis Gregory led from the front with a brilliant 89 not out as Somerset completed a five-wicket Rothesay County Championship Division One win over Sussex at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton.

Set just 150 to win on a benign pitch, the hosts reached their target in an additional half hour to the scheduled day’s play, skipper Gregory taking advantage of his new position as opener to hit 12 fours in a sparkling 118-ball innings.

Earlier, an unbeaten 82 off 164 balls from John Simpson had helped Sussex extend their second innings total from an overnight 127 for four to 335 all out. Fynn Hudson-Prentice contributed 41 and James Coles 39, while Jack Leach finished with four for 51.

It didn't prove enough and Somerset took 21 points from a second successive Championship victory, while their opponents had to be content with three.

Sussex hopes of a fightback were dealt an early blow when Craig Overton struck with his first delivery of the day at the start of the second over. Tom Alsop, playing defensively, edged a low catch to Gregory at first slip.

Almost immediately it was 129 for six as James Coles called for a single to mid-wicket to get off the mark and James Hayes was run out by Tom Banton’s direct hit at the wicketkeeper’s end.

Coles soon began to time the ball sweetly. He and Simpson held up the home side’s victory bid with a stand of 66, both looking to play positively on a now flat wicket.

Coles had struck 6 fours when attempting another attacking shot off Jack Leach and driving in the air to Tom Lammonby at mid-off. At 195 for seven, his side led by just nine runs.

Simpson looked untroubled and found another partner in good touch as Hudson-Prentice helped take the total to 224 for seven at lunch. More Sussex resistance followed the interval, aided by the rare sight of Overton dropping Hudson-Prentice at second slip off Leach. With 27 runs added, the second new ball was taken.

A pulled four off Henry took Simpson to a half-century off 126 balls. It was the sixth boundary of an innings that was starting to frustrate the Somerset bowlers. When Hudson-Prentice smacked Henry for six over the short boundary on the town side of the ground, the lead had grown to 87.

The shot provoked quick revenge from the New Zealand seamer who with the next delivery sent Hudson-Prentice’s off stump flying to end a partnership of 78, which had occupied 28 overs.

Henry soon followed up by having Nathan McAndrew caught behind after moving briskly to 16. Still Simpson refused to buckle and with last man Ollie Robinson at the other end, he went on the attack.

Robinson also played aggressively in a last-wicket stand of 44 before being caught at slip for 18 pushing forward to Leach. Tea was taken with 35 overs left in the day’s play.

There were early scares for the hosts when Gregory edged the second delivery of their second innings from Robinson to first slip, only to be reprieved by a no-ball call, and Josh Davey was dropped by in the slips off McAndrew.

Davey soon fell to Robinson, bowled by a full delivery, and it was 11 for two when Lammonby fell lbw to the same bowler falling across his stumps. That became 30 for three as James Rew uncharacteristically chased a wide ball from McAndrew and edged through to Simpson.

There was tension aplenty as Tom Abell took 25 balls to get off the mark before a square cut for four off Hudson-Prentice. But Gregory was proving a calming influence and when he moved to a confident half-century off 73 balls, with 6 fours, Somerset were more than halfway to their target.

Left-arm spinner James Coles removed Abell for 27 and Tom Banton for 15, but Gregory saw his side home, striking three boundaries in an over from Jack Carson before deservedly hitting the winning run.

Report provided by ECB Reporters Network

Somerset v Sussex: Day Two Report

Craig Overton played the starring role as Somerset moved into a strong position on the second day of the Rothesay County Championship Division One match with Sussex at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton.

Having extended their first innings score to 338 all out, Archie Vaughan last man out for 80 and Nathan McAndrew claiming four for 71, the hosts skittled their opponents for 152, Overton claiming three for 30 and three fine slip catches to help establish a lead of 186. Daniel Hughes top-scored with 38, while Migael Pretorius took three for 24.

Sussex were made to follow on and reached 127 for four by stumps, with openers Tom Haines and Daniel Hughes out for 50 and 40 respectively. They trailed by 59 runs.

The day began with Somerset adding just 21 runs to their overnight score for the loss of four wickets. Three of them fell to McAndrew, who began by having Overton brilliantly caught off an inside edge by wicketkeeper John Simpson for 28.

Pretorius edged through to Simpson off Ollie Robinson and it was 333 for nine when Matt Henry skyed a catch to mid-off, Robinson this time the catcher, to give McAndrew his third wicket of the innings.

The fourth ended Vaughan’s career-best knock as he went on the attack and perished to another catch at mid-off. The 19-year-old had faced 134 balls and hit 15 fours to bolster what looked a good total given the nature of the pitch.

Sussex made a decent enough start to their reply, Hughes and Haines taking the total to 37 in the tenth over before the latter pushed forward defensively to Overton and nicked a catch to wicketkeeper James Rew.

Haines had moved fluently to 24, with 4 fours. But his departure signalled a turning point as the next over saw Tom Clark fall lbw to Henry, who had switched to the River End, and at lunch the scoreboard read 68 for two.

It was 75 for three when Tom Alsop edged Pretorius into the bucket hands of Overton at second slip and 80 for four in the following over, Josh Davey this time profiting from Overton’s prowess as a slip fielder to send back James Coles for a duck.

With just 17 runs added, Simpson was bowled shouldering arms to Overton, who soon followed up with a similar delivery from around the wicket that brought the demise of Hughes, also playing no shot.

Overton claimed his third catch when Fynn Hudson-Prentice edged a back-foot defensive shot off Pretorius before Jack Leach weighed in with the wickets of McAndrew and Robinson, the first finding cover and the other attempting to hit a second six, but only edging to Lewis Gregory at slip.

Pretorius ended the innings by bowling last man James Hayes and Sussex had been shot out in 46.2 overs. Expecting the pitch to become flatter as the match progressed, Gregory took the understandable decision to enforce the follow-on.

Tea was taken before the Sussex second innings began. Both Hughes and Haines played positively, raising a half-century stand off just 57 balls in warm late afternoon sunshine.

Overton’s successful afternoon almost got better with the total on 82 as Haines, on 43, edged a forcing shot only for Tom Lammonby to spill a sharp chance above his head at second slip. The opener profited to reach an attractive fifty off 72 balls.

Hughes was equally impressive, bringing up the century stand with a swept four off Leach before falling in the same over, caught behind off bat and pad. Haines quickly followed, leg before to Pretorius and suddenly Sussex were 100 for two, still 86 behind.

Jack Carson, promoted in the order, fell to Henry with 11 runs added. And when Leach had Clark caught behind attempting a slog-sweep it was clearly Somerset’s day.

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