Maher and James help Glamorgan to victory

Half-centuries from Jimmy Maher and Steve James helped Glamorgan secure an impressive six-wicket win over Sussex in the National League Division Two clash at Swansea.

Chasing 225 for victory, Glamorgan passed the winning post with a full three overs remaining to lift them to fourth in the second division.

Maher's 81-ball contribution that included eight fours helped to get Glamorgan off to a flier in response to Sussex's challenging 224-4 after Chris Adams had won the toss.

The Australian was given fine support by opener Keith Newell and Robert Croft, who was promoted up the order to No 3 to give the Glamorgan innings some early impetus.

Although there was a slight wobble when Glamorgan lost Maher and Matthew Maynard in quick succession, James took 15 off an over from Umer Rashid to steady Welsh nerves.

James went on to hit the winning runs which also brought up his own half-century in 57 balls.

Sussex probably thought they had done enough to bat Glamorgan out of the game after three of their top order all celebrated half centuries.

Richard Montgomerie (68) and Murray Goodwin (51) had given Sussex a great platform, putting on 92 for the first wicket in 22 overs before the Zimbabwean holed out at deep backward square to give Robert Croft the first of his two victims.

Croft, who had been released by England from the Second Test at Old Trafford, was the pick of the Glamorgan bowlers. He also claimed the wicket of Montgomerie who was well caught at square leg by Dean Cosker.

Adams completed a 46-ball half-century to ensure that Glamorgan needed to chase five an over to win.