CB40, Hove
Sussex 226-5 beat The Netherlands 225-7 by 5 wickets
By Jack Bradshaw
Michael Yardy made a successful return to competitive action by leading Sussex to a comfortable victory against The Netherlands at Hove.
The England all-rounder was making his first appearance since returning home early from the Cricket World Cup in March because of depression.
And the Sussex captain marked his return by taking 1-36 and making 39 with the bat.
The Netherlands made a bright start to their innings with opener Eric Szwarczynski scoring 111 before being run out by Yardy.
The Netherlands reached 100 only one man down but wickets began to fall regularly with part-time spinner Chris Nash and Rana Naved taking 3-20 and 2-34 respectively as they posted 225-7.
In response, Sussex lost Ed Joyce in the first over but vice-captain Murray Goodwin made an unbeaten 109 to take the hosts to victory, with useful contributions from Yardy and Joe Gatting.
Sussex will be pleased to get back to winning ways having lost their first CB40 game the day before against Derbyshire, but the return to action of skipper Yardy will no doubt be the biggest boost for the Sharks.
