Bicknell's hundred fails to deny Sussex victory

Darren Bicknell's second Championship century of the season wasn't enough to save Notts from losing to Sussex by 161 runs. Bicknell made 123 out of an all out total of 285 but when he was ninth man out the visitors quickly wrapped up their fourth win of the campaign.

During the early part of the final day Notts had been reduced to 37--4 after just eleven overs with nightwatchman Gareth Clough, Australian Greg Blewett and Usman Afzaal all dismissed cheaply, Guy Welton having been run out on the third evening.

Bicknell was joined by Paul Johnson who helped him add 44 for the fifth wicket but once he'd fallen to a catch at slip off Mark Robinson -- and John Morris had followed cheaply -- it looked all over for Notts.

Chris Read though had other ideas and launched a terrific counter--attack which sped him to a half-century in just 61 balls. At tea Notts' hopes of salvation looked good but shortly afterwards James Kirtley trapped Read lbw for an excellent 78.

By now Bicknell had progressed to the 36th first-class century of his career (257 mins 183 balls 16x4s), although he'd had two lives, both on 72, when Matthew Prior and Murray Goodwin spilled routine efforts.

Following the dismissal of Read, Sussex pressed for victory and three times were frustrated in their attempts to have AJ Harris given out -- twice for lbw verdicts and also with a claimed catch at the wicket.

Runs dried up alarmingly -- Bicknell made just nine in 75 minutes after tea before he lost another partner. A fine nick by Harris was smartly taken by Prior who was standing up to Mark Robinson.

Just under 14 overs remained when Sussex picked up the wicket they most cherished. Bicknell had gone on to 123 when he too fell to a smart piece of `keeping by Prior, again off Robinson. The Notts captain thoroughly deserved his standing ovation but his walk from the ground was accompanied by the almost certain knowledge that his efforts had been in vain.

As in the first innings Richard Stemp lasted only a couple of balls before his off stump was knocked back, this time by Jason Lewry.

As Sussex celebrated the home supporters were left to reflect on another poor performance by Notts, just two days away from their B & H semi-final.