Sussex have to settle for draw

Essex, asked to score 310 in 73 overs to win, frustrated Sussex' attempts to force victory in their championship match at Arundel.

The dismissal of Stuart Law at 189-5 caused the visitors to leave off their pursuit of victory. Danny Law (49), himself formerly with Sussex, and Stephen Peters (22 n.o.) hung on defiantly in adding 42 runs in 11 overs before birthday-boy Danny was out to Michael Bevan.

The further dismissal of Barry Hyam brought Essex down to 249-7 but Ashley Cowan stayed with Peters through the final three overs as Essex closed at 254-7.

After the early loss of Paul Grayson the Essex innings had been built around a 126 runs partnership in 37 overs between Paul Prichard (66) and Darren Robinson (65). Both were bout to Robin Martin-Jenkins. Stuart Law had been forced by a back injury to bat lower in the order and his departure caused Essex to reconsider the position.

Bevan, the bowler, had as batsman taken his score to 151 n.o. (his highest for Sussex) and enabled the home county to declare at 321-8. He hit four sixes and ten fours in facing 295 balls.