More Sussex sport

One of the fears initially that Brighton HAFC might get relegated was a tough run-in featuring Manchester United, Manchester City – whom they play tonight and Liverpool away. However it was apparent that unless there was total meltdown the Seagulls would be safe long before then. We no longer feature in the calculations “If X loses at A, Y go down unless Z scores more than 4 goals at B”. Whilst Pascal Gross was player of the season, the accolades should go to Chris Hughton who managed the campaign xo successfully from the start in the market to the Manchester United victory. After sackings at Norwich and Newcastle he has shown he is a Premier manger.

Sussex CCC achieved their first win over Middlesex. We will soon be beginning the ODI and t20  campaigns. I would not describe county cricket as “fit and healthy” – I cannot recall in my lifetime when it ever was – but still we Sussex fans judge our season by promotion to the top tier and the halcyon day’s of the noughties.

The bowling resource of Jefra Archer, Chris Jordan, Sharma, Rashid Khan, Ollie Robinson, George Garton, Danny Briggs look formidable but there is less depth and consistency to the batting line up. As with our football side, much will depend on the astute game management of coach Dizzy Gillespie.

There was a players reunion last Sunday at the Ground which I dropped into. John Snow, with his long silvery locks and sculptured facial features, did not look in his 70s. Tony and Mile Buss were there provoking the comment from Mrs Dexter: “You don’t see a Buss for a year then two come along at once.”

Tony Buss picked this team as his best Sussex eleven since 1966: Goodwin, Wells, Dexter, Khan, Parks ,Snow, Greig, Wesssels ,Miandad, Mushaq, Ahmad. Personally, I would have had more of the 2003 Championship side.