Sussex v Somerset

Sussex’s first home game v Somerset had been long in the diary. We had made a more than creditable start with a draw at Warwickshire – a Test ground side – and accordingly more affluent than Sussex.

Edgbaston is as much a conference venue as a cricket ground, hosting numerous Indian weddings. Sussex must compete with the Amex, hotels and various civic venues but does have a loyal support. Those who criticise county cricket forget how much Sussex means – and gives – to the community.

Ollie Robinson was passed unfit with a minor foot injury and replaced by Sean Hunt and Karvelas. However, the most welcome presence was Jack Russell – wicket-keeper turned successful artist.

He set up his easel in the Players Club and since had friends and admirers gathered around him.

Sussex built a platform and we’re 137-1 till wickets tumbled.

John Simpson, the evergreen 35-year old steadied the ship and we were thinking (whilst it won’t happen) he would make a better skipper than Harry Brook.

Sussex were 294 all out, but in the final hour the match turned decidedly in Sussex’s favour. Fynn Hudson Prentice took 4 wickets and at stumps Somerset were 62-5. The game could well be over today.

It was a time to re-acquaint with old friends over a pint of Harvey’s with sun on your face.

There were teething problems, particularly with the newly appointed careers, but Sussex played good cricket and where better to watch it than at Hove?