Michael Neser hit a textbook century as Glamorgan batted out a draw on the final day of their county championship fixture against Sussex at the 1st Central County Ground in Hove.
In a dogged display, the Welsh side refused to offer their hosts any chance at victory, amassing a mammoth 737 all out before the teams shook hands after tea.
The gargantuan total was their highest ever second-innings score, surpassing a record held since 1939 – in a match where Wally Hammond scored a triple century for Gloucestershire.
Starting the day with a sizeable if vulnerable lead of 141, Glamorgan’s lower order looked to secure safety. Neser’s determined ton ensured that they did just that. Coming to the crease in the morning session, the Australian went about his work professionally, punishing anything over-pitched or short.
There was plenty loose on offer from off-spinner Jack Carson. Having bowled 39 overs yesterday, the 22-year-old went wicketless as Glamorgan plundered him for 216 runs.
Into his 50th over, Carson was first cut then clipped for twin boundaries by the ruthless Neser as Glamorgan’s total neared 700.
Carson wasn’t the only bowler to get the treatment. Fynn Hudson-Prentice and Ari Karvelas both went for over 100 runs as the visitors dug in.
Neser completed his ton with a giant six off Steve Smith in the afternoon session. The Aussie made 123 runs in all off 198 balls – an impressive display with the Ashes just around the corner.
As the match trundled towards a draw, Sussex threw the ball around. Tom Alsop and Ali Orr both had a bowl before Smith took his first and probably his last two wickets for Sussex.
Bowling off-spin, the Australian was smacked for what looked to be a certain six by James Harris before sub-fielder Sean Hunt produced an outstanding catch in the deep. He then had Neser bowled – meaning Sussex would have to bat again.
In a comical turn of events, Glamorgan’s Marnus Labuschagne bowled one uneventful over to Orr and Karvelas before play finally ended.
Earlier in the day, Glamorgan’s captain Kiran Carlson fell just short of a maiden first-class double century. He was caught and bowled by Karvelas in the morning session.
Despite going for 106 runs, the Greek international remained economical on a pitch offering nothing for the seamers – bowling 8 maidens and taking 2 wickets in the innings.
Tom Haines was also tidy. With an economy rate of only 2.20, the part-timer took one wicket – Chris Cooke, caught by Ali Orr for 45.
After missing the afternoon and evening sessions yesterday, seam-bowler Ollie Robinson was spotted on crutches around the ground. The England man will have a scan on his ankle tomorrow, one week out from the first test of the summer – against Ireland at Lords.
The draw leaves Sussex second in Division Two of the County Championship, 10 points ahead of their opponents, Glamorgan, in fourth.
