Over-70s one win away from Championship glory

Peter Crees cuts loose

Sussex's Over-70s take have the chance of winning their seventh County Championship when they take on Kent in the competition final at Little Baddow CC, near Chelmsford on Thursday (6th September, 12pm start)

Sussex comfortably beat Worcestershire in the semi-final at Three Bridges CC last Thursday with a team containing seven past and present England  Over-70s players: Andy Barnes; Martin Burgess and Peter Crees are all current internationals, while Grahame Corke; Ted Elsey; Howard Johnson and Udho Maharaj having played for England in the past.

Graham Corke, and his new ball partner Udho Maharaj, got Sussex off to a fine start

In the semi-final, Sussex won the toss and decided to field on a damp pitch. Opening bowlers, Maharaj and Corke completed their nine over spells both going for a miserly 19 runs. 

After 20 overs of their 45 overs, Worcestershire had only scored 43 runs. Then wickets regularly tumbled with Maharaj, Elsey and Crees each taking two wickets.   Worcestershire finished on 128 for 8 in 45 overs.

Martin Burgess kept tidily

In reply, Sussex wasted no time in attacking Worcestershire and opener, Mark Shimmons (former England over 60s player) hit 33 runs in no time and then it was hard hitting Peter Crees (51*) and Andy Barnes (30*) who took Sussex past the total to progress into the Final.

Peter Crees and Andy Barnes lead the teams off having secured victory for Sussex