Sussex seal second XI crown
Sussex clinched their first second XI title since 1990 by securing a draw in their final game of the season against Somerset at Hove.
The hosts batted all day to deny Somerset, who would have secured the title with a win, any chance of victory.
Sussex finished 627 runs ahead of their opponents as they made 390 in their second innings. Tom Smith and Michael Gould, son of former Sussex skipper Ian, added 163 for the ninth wicket to frustrate Somerset.
Smith’s 95 included 16 fours while Gould hit 12 boundaries in his 83 to add to his first innings 70 not out.
Sussex had resumed on 49 for three after bowling Somerset out for 230 the previous day. They chose not to enforce the follow-on having made 393 in their first innings.
Overnight pair Michael Thornely and Rageb Aga made 40 and 37 respectively while Jeremy Green and Ollie Rayner both hit 39 in the middle order.
Leg-spinner Michael Munday was Somerset’s outstanding bowler with 5-77 in Sussex’s second innings to give him nine wickets in the match.
The win ensured Sussex’s third 2nd XI title as they went the 11-match championship season unbeaten.
