Sussex Seconds continued their 2nd XI Trophy campaign with a trip to Newport CC, South Wales, to take on Glamorgan.
On a flat looking outfield and decent wicket under unbroken sunny skies, skipper Tom Haines won the toss and elected to bowl.
That appeared to be a very positive decision as for two hours Sussex were very much on the front foot and looking in very good shape, with Stuart Whittingham immediately finding his stride.
The Scotland international bowled with pace and accuracy, and took figures of 2-24 as Sussex piled the pressure on their opponents in the opening overs.
When Jonty Jenner clung on to two difficult gully catches, Glamorgan were 33-3 and in deep trouble, before Abi Sakande and Tom Miles inflicted further damage. In a blistering ten-over spell, the duo took 3-45 and the hosts slumped to 64-6.
With Sussex in the driving seat, a small total looked likely, but Glamorgan responded well. Ruaidri Smith hit a stylish half century, before Callum Taylor added an impressive 55*, to see the hosts recover to 217 all out.
Glamorgan carried their momentum into the second innings, with opening bowler Lukas Carey completing his ten overs in one spell returning figures of 10-2-25-5 to put the Sussex top order in trouble, while Rawlins bowled 3-0-31-0.
At 61-7 there was still some life in the match, and Sussex ‘keeper, J Billings, batted superbly for 25 not out and looked to be carrying a potent threat, but Sussex were eventually all out for 113. Rawlins was one of only five batsmen to reach double figures, he would score 10 runs off 15 deliveries, hitting 2 fours.
Head Coach Michael Yardy said, “After getting off to the decent start we tried to chase the last few wickets and gave up around 40 runs more than par. Then when batting you have to try and find a way to get through those tough opening moments, which we haven’t been able to do today.”
The team will remain in Newport Wales over the next three days as they play out a Championship match against Glamorgan.
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