Final day: Sussex beat Worcestershire

Sussex beat Worcestershire by 47 runs, making heavy weather of it.

The morning was grey and dank but the moisture in the air assisted seam. Ollie Roberson bowled his heart out, beating the bat on several occasions, but took no wickets.

His spell of 9 overs on the bounce belied his image of lack of fitness.

Yet he is typical of the contemporary English sportsman: impressive at club level but short on international quality.

Worcestershire’s rearguard action had Josh Libby at its centre.

He scored his third ton at Hove with 147 but, when he fell to a James Coles catch off Fynn Hudson-Prentice, their resistance ended and Sussex won shortly after tea.

There was only a small crowd, probably because the on the final day the weather did not brighten up till the afternoon.

Sussex are now third behind Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire and must be justifiably pleased with their start of two victories, two draws and one defeat.

Coach Paul Farbrace promised that Sussex’s aim was to win the Championship, not avoid relegation. Perhaps he took his cue from Brighton and Hove Albion who won 2-0 at Wolves and have every chance of securing 8th place.

Around me I was impressed by the knowledge of the fans and their pride in both the cricket and soccer teams