George Garton stars with bat and ball in 2nd XI win over Middlesex

A five-wicket haul and an unbeaten half-century from George Garton helped a combined Sussex & Kent team to an eight-wicket victory in their three-day 2nd XI friendly against Middlesex at Blackstone Academy Ground sponsored by Hurstpierpoint College.

Garton’s took five for 69 as Middlesex made 363 for nine declared in their first innings. In reply, Laurie Evans (24*) and Michael Burgess (43*) put on 71 for the first wicket in less than ten overs before a washed out second day led Sussex & Kent to declare and Middlesex to forfeit their second innings.

After a delayed start on day three, Sussex & Kent were left needing 292 from 68 overs. After Sussex academy graduate Harrison Ward was caught and bowled for ten, Kent’s Callum Haggett and Adam Rouse put on 180 for the second wicket.

When Haggett was dismissed for 90, Garton arrived at the crease and set about smashing an unbeaten 50 from 27 balls with five fours and three sixes to help propel Sussex & Kent over the line. Rouse brought up his century when he hit the winning runs in the 54th over of the innings.

The two sides meet again on Thursday for a 50-over friendly.