Sussex Seconds suffer DLS defeat to Surrey

Sussex Second XI, under the guidance of Michael Yardy, put in a sterling team effort at the LSE Ground, New Malden, against an experienced Surrey CCC squad on Thursday (24th May).

Hosts opener, Tom Bruce, will grab all the plaudits for a wonderful knock of 172 but that doesn’t tell the whole story, as Sussex played well in their fourth One-Day Trophy match of the season.

Skipper, Phil Salt, won the toss and choose to bowl which was a great decision owing to the sultry overhead conditions.  Stuart Whittingham, not for the first time this season, made an instant impact on the game. A wicket and a stunning run out had the hosts in early trouble.

Tom Haines, who is thought of as an opening bat, proved his all-round capabilities by taking three for 54 and a keeping hold of a difficult catch out deep.  Will Sheffield also bowled very well taking two for 39.  The team stuck to their tasks well in a battling stint in the field. Without the Bruce knock, Sussex would have been very much in the driving seat.

In reply Haines batted well for 38 with assistance from the returning from injury Will Beer (19 n.o.).  Youngster, Harrison Ward, was on a very steep learning curve when facing five overs from retired South African test player, Morne Morkel.  The 6-foot 8 fast bowler was getting plenty of bounce and lift, but Harrison did very well to keep him at bay. 

Just as the game looked to be heading towards an exciting conclusion, rain started to fall and play was abandoned for the day with the visitors on 74 for 3.  Sussex were deemed slightly behind on the DLS.

Our Second Team are back in action on 29th May when hosting Kent CCC at the 1st Central County Ground, Hove. 11am start.