Sussex triumph in C&G Trophy thriller
Wow, if ever a match was needed as an antidote to the shennanigans which have been going on in international cricket, then the C&G Trophy final was it.
Lancashire and Sussex slugged it out in a low-scoring affair which was more like two heavyweight boxers going 12 rounds with each other in the ring.
In the red corner, Lancashire thought they had done enough after restricting Sussex to 172 but a certain seam bowler James Kirtley in the blue corner had other ideas...
His 5-27 was a great haul in its own right but was even more heart-warming when you realise he has had to remodel his action after being reported for illegal bowling.
He put the hard work in during the winter and his new action, together with a renewed hunger and belief, saw him rightly crowned the man of the match.
Before the game, the bookmakers had Lancashire as slight favourites for the trophy but in reality it was too close to call.
At the media conferences at the end of the match, it didn't take a genius to work out which team had won and which had lost but fair play to Lancashire skipper Mark Chilton for not shying away from any awkward questions about Lightning choking on the big occasion.
His Sussex counterpart Chris Adams could hardly contain his glee in his presser which followed - which is hardly surprising.
Sussex will be celebrating and word his reached us that Adams has already told his wife he is sleeping with Tina tonight - that is the name he has given the C&G Trophy!
Lancashire on the other hand will quietly regroup before their Championship match against Warwickshire at Blackpool.
It seems appropriate they are playing in a town famed for its roller-coasters and I'm sure there will be more ups and downs for both teams before the season ends.
Did I hear correctly? The winners received £43,000,
Complain about this postwhat a shameful amount in the sporting world of
today. Perhaps a top premiership footballer could
sponsor the trophy with a couple of weeks wages.
Mark, formerly of Sussex, now in Belgium.
Being a Saturday I couldn't listen in to the whole match and was dipping in and out. It sounds like I missed an amazing finish. When I left the action Lancashire seemed to be in terrible trouble but, like Sussex, the lower order fought back until the final collapse when in touching distance. A bowlers' match can be just as thrilling as one with massive scores and the batsmen on top.
Complain about this postA rather marvellous day out. And nice to get one over on Lancashire who, let's face it, think they have the right to win everything. Even the prize for "best song based on Chicory Tip" -- which they fail at by some distance.
Complain about this postNopt happy with the top order.
Complain about this postGreat lancs fan + great day out
I think the ICC should review mr Kirtleys action
Do I sense a little bitterness there Luke? Given that Kirtley has now been passed 4 times isn't it about time to give him a break?! Not his fault Jeremy Lloyds didn't see the massive inside edge off Stuart Law.
Complain about this postMy word
Sussex got some real doggy LBW's in this match
Kirtley 5 LBW's yeh right.
Complain about this post