Sussex poised for success

Sussex moved closer to a vital win over Middlesex at Hove today as they chased their first county championship success.

Victory would give the home side an 18-point lead over champions Surrey and put them within touching distance of the title.

Sussex started well when Jason Lewry removed Chris Peploe lbw for 13. Dion Nash offered little resistance when bowled by Lewry for five and then Mushtaq Ahmed wrapped up the Middlesex second innings when claiming the three remaining wickets of Simon Cook (11), Paul Weekes (65) and Joe Dawes (2). The visitors were all out for 250, which set Sussex a total of 105 for victory.

They got off to a stuttering start in their run chase when losing Murray Goodwin and Tony Cottey cheaply. However, the home side look on course to achieve the win they need after Richard Montgomerie kept a cool head to move towards his 50.

Middlesex 392 & 250, Sussex 537, 92-2