Runs for Delray Rawlins, but Sussex suffer defeats at Taunton

Sussex suffered two defeats against Somerset in the Second XI T20 at Taunton Vale on Tuesday.

Having won the toss, Somerset elected to bat in the first match of the day making 176-7 in their 20 overs.

Abi Sakande took 3-30 from his four overs, whilst there were two wickets for Stuart Whittingham and one each for Delray Rawlins and George Garton. Adam Barton was economical conceding just 16 runs from three overs.

Rawlins was highly impressive at the top of the order as he racked up 73 from just 49 balls, including ten four and two sixes.

After he was dismissed by England spinner Dom Bess in the 14th over, Sussex’s chase faltered. They were bowled out for 139 in 18.4 overs to give the hosts a 37-run victory.

Sussex batted first in the second match and were dismissed for 135, again in 18.4 overs. The innings was built around a 56-run fifth wicket partnership between trialists Bradley Erasmus and Leo Cammish, Cammish top-scoring with 30 from 20 balls before falling victim to Bess.

Sussex made a decent effort to defend their total, with Nick Oxley and Whittingham taking two wickets each. Oxley’s proved difficult to get away, with Somerset scoring just 19 runs from the the left-arm wrist spinner’s four overs.

George Garton was also economical, going at just over five runs an over as he took 1-21 during his allocation.

Ultimately, however, Somerset reached their target with four wickets in hand and two balls to spare.

Despite the defeats, Sussex remain well-placed in the competition, level on points with Essex at the top of the south group table, but in second-place as a result of an inferior net run rate.

Sussex play their final two matches in the group stage against Gloucestershire at Bath on Monday 23rd July, with hope to qualify for finals day at Arundel Castle on Thursday 9th August.

Sussex’s next match is also against Somerset at Taunton in the 2nd XI Championship. The three-day match starts today at 10.30 am, with play on days two and three starting at the usual time of 11am. A live scorecard for that match can be found here.

Scorecards from yesterday’s match are available to download below.