Holders playing catch-up already

Profiles / Editor / 10 May 2007 / Leave a Comment

Sussex are facing a must-win match in only their third match of the defence of their Friends Provident Trophy against Glamorgan Dragons at Hove on Friday.

The Sharks need a confidence boost after suffering back-to-back defeats in both competitions they lifted in 2006, going down to Gloucestershire Gladiators in the Trophy and surrendering to Kent in the LV Championship at Canterbury.

Sussex coach Mark Robinson was left to curse his luck as further injuries and illness struck the team before the tense defeat at Gloucester - where Richard Montgomerie's century came in vain.

Skipper Chris Adams missed out with a bout of food poisoning, joining Rana Naved, Jason Lewry, Luke Wright and Mike Yardy on the sidelines.

Without five first-team players, the Sharks set a competitive total of 193 after being put into bat in a match reduced to 31 overs per side.

Montgomerie continued his fine early season form with a fine 100 off 87 balls, his third ton and second in limited overs competition, with superb late support from Carl Hopkinson (31).

Former England seamer James Kirtley claimed three top order victims to reduce the home side to 77-4 before the Gladiators settled into their run chase, which they timed to perfection.

Kirtley was left to bowl the final over with Gloucestershire needing six to win with three wickets in hand and almost pulled off a win for the Sharks when Ian Fisher was run out off a no-ball and new batsman Steve Kirby suffered the same fate off the ensuing free hit.

That fighting spirit will again be required with several key men again expected to be out for the visit of Glamorgan.

The Dragons are also in a slump and missing key players with David Harrison out, but captain David Hemp hopes to be able to recall Damien Wright and Simon Jones to transform their attack.

Sussex are the 1.45 Betfair favourites to pull off a much-needed win on Friday, with Glamorgan 2.62 to take the points in a fledgling Match Odds market.

Sussex can be backed at 5.2 to retain the trophy they won with a 15-run victory over Lancashire in last season's Lord's showpiece final.