When Sus
sex last met the Unicorns – at Arundel two years ago – the one-day journeymen caused something of an upset.
The Sharks’ total of 325 looked unassailable but the newly formed side set a record for a team batting second in the 40-over game with 327-4.
This time round Sussex again recorded a respectable tally with 291-3 as 21-year-old Brighton-born batsman Matt Machan and fellow left-hander Ed Joyce hit centuries.
Machan hit four sixes and nine fours on his way to 126 not out off 100 balls. Joyce hit a six and 14 fours as he made 102 runs off 98 balls.
In reply the Sharks took two early wickets and kept up a steady rate of attrition as Chris Nash later took 3-29 and the visitors were restricted to 147-9.
Mind you, Sussex won the corresponding fixture two seasons back. The Sharks may have shackled the Unicorns today (Sunday 13 May) but they face another test against the same side in three weeks’ time.
