Day three started on time under brighter skies than yesterday, however the clouds rolled in and the floodlights were on within 30 minutes. Both teams had forfeited an innings leaving Sussex a target of 458 in 96 overs. In the third over Matthew Waite dismissed Thomason lbw for nought. However this turned out to be our only success before lunch as Sussex totalled 115-1. Finch unbeaten on 63 and Clark on 39.
Finch reached his century from 116 balls including 21 fours and added 225 for the two wicket with Clark before the latter was well caught down the leg side by keeper Ben Birkhead. Clark made 71 from 135 balls with 8 fours and a six. However, at tea Sussex were 268-2 requiring a further 190 for victory with Finch 160no (25 fours and 3 sixes).
Matthew Waite and David Willey resumed the attack after tea and conceded only 33 in the next 10 overs. Finch reached a chanceless double hundred from only 205 balls including 27 fours and 5 sixes but he was finally caught behind for 221 with the score 386. Josh Sullivan (bowling in tandem with his younger brother, Harry) then struck three times in his next two overs and Sussex were 395-6.
Carson and Orr took the score to 429-6, needing 29 for victory when the players were brought from the field due to bad light at 5.44pm and play was abandoned with the game ending as a draw.
Our final game starts on Monday 16th at Scarborough against Durham.
John Virr – 2nd XI Scorer
