Second XI fall to One Day defeat at Hove

29 April 2009

The Surrey Second XI got off to a poor start as they lost their opening Second XI Trophy match against Sussex at Hove by seven wickets yesterday (Tuesday April 28th).

After losing a crucial toss and being inserted on a damp wicket, Surrey were always under pressure and struggled to cope with a seaming ball in the first hour, falling to 40/4. Particularly dangerous was the experienced Sussex seamer James Kirtley, who understands Hove better than most and used the conditions to his full advantage to take three wickets.

With conditions beginning to show improvement though, Matthew Spriegel (29) and Gary Wilson (24) combined intelligently to put together a solid partnership and start to lead Surrey to a respectable total. However, following their dismissals Surrey suffered a second flurry of wickets and found themselves struggling again at 100/7.

However, as the sun began the shine in the early afternoon, the pitch dried out quickly and batting conditions were gradually becoming significantly easier. Surrey’s tail began to take advantage with Murtaza Hussain – who top scored with 46 – and Jimmy Ormond (18) playing sensibly to move the score along.

Stuart Meaker then added more vital runs with a mature 18, leaving Sussex to score 188 for victory on a rapidly improving batting track.

As Surrey found in their pre-season tour to Abu Dhabi, it was Joe Gatting – nephew of former England captain Mike and until recently a Brighton and Hove Albion trainee – that did the damage for Sussex.

The opener took full advantage of what had become a glorious seaside afternoon and used the flat, solid track to accrue another match winning innings.

Murtaza Hussain was the pick of the Surrey bowlers, with the tricky Pakistani off-spinner picking up all three Sussex wickets that fell as they knocked off their target in 37 overs.

The Second XI now go into a three day match against the same opposition, which starts today (Wednesday 29th April) at Hove. To find a match preview please look elsewhere in the news section of www.surreycricket.com.