Priory retain Sussex cricket crown

The cards were stacked in the visitors' favour as Priory decided - although under Sussex League rules they were almost compelled - to bat first on a damp wicket that made run-scoring extremely difficult.

Wickets fell frequently early on but George Campbell grafted a gutsy 71 and James Pooley bludgeoned a priceless 70 to steer Priory to 222-8 from their 58 overs.

The Priory bowling attack, which operated as the wicket dried out, was depleted due to an injury to Andy Cornford and the early departure to a wedding reception of Chris Topp.

Things were not looking good as Brighton surged to 200-5 with six overs remaining but they lost their last five wickets for just 16 runs, with the final wicket falling off the penultimate ball of the day.

Overjoyed Priory skipper Jason Finch said: "It's absolutely fantastic To do it two years on the trot is so satisfying."