Tuesday, 6 May 2014

Sussex maintain hold over Lancashire.


Sussex take a commanding lead of 323 runs into the final day of their match at Old Trafford after Lancashire were bowled out for just 191, with rain halting the visitors progress in the evening session.

The visitors took advantage of another indifferent batting display by Lancashire, responding with 216-5 to establish an imposing position, one which they hope to convert in to their third win of the season.

Alex Davies top-scored for Lancashire with 59, earning his first half-century for the First Eleven, but his overnight stand with Tom Smith (49) worth 82 came to an abrupt end, exposing the Lancashire tail.

Lancashire lost their final four wickets for 29 runs, providing Sussex with a first innings lead of 107, a lead which was to be extended further by Michael Yardy, who continued to play with the same fluency exhibited in his first innings.

Yardy and Hamilton-Brown made a further 55 runs for the third wicket before Steven Croft (1-42) removed Yardy for 45 with Paul Horton taking a superb slip catch.

Kerrigan (2-80) claimed key wickets to help Lancashire in their attempt to salvage the game, but Matt Machan (44*) added useful runs after rain hit Old Trafford to perpetuate Lancashire’s misery.   

Glen Chapple claimed the first breakthrough of the innings to remove opener, Chris Nash, for 13 and returned late in the day, dismissing Luke Wright (18) with Luis Reece claiming the catch as he ran in from the boundary.

Rain provided the hosts with brief respite in the evening session, but when the covers came back off Sussex continued to play with confidence, building a lead which seems to be beyond Lancashire, after a pitiful start with the bat this season. 

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