Sussex survive Maynard scare

A ninth-wicket stand of 80 in 12 overs could not prevent Glamorgan slipping to defeat against LV County Champions Sussex in the opening match of the English summer.

Sussex won the pre-season friendly – the first involving first-class counties on English shores – by 17 runs at Hove despite Tom Maynard and Dean Cosker’s valiant partnership.

Maynard, the son of Glamorgan cricket manager Matthew, turned 19 only last week but showed his immense potential by smashing 77 off 67 balls, which included two fours and four sixes.

He helped rescue what appeared a lost cause for the visitors after they slipped to 27 for four in pursuit of a target of 232 in 50 overs.

Glamorgan went into the final four overs requiring 47 to win, but that was reduced to 23 off 11 balls before Maynard was bowled by Robin Martin-Jenkins.

Sussex’s total was built around Matt Prior’s 50 and solid contributions from Michael Yardy and Andrew Hodd, who made 44 and 39 respectively.

Seamer Ryan Watkins starred with the ball for Glamorgan, taking 5-56, and the game also saw David Harrison return to action for the first time since 2006 after overcoming his injury problems.

The sides meet again on Tuesday at the same venue as they continue their preparations for the start of the season.