A sparkling century from Bas Zu Derent steered Sussex to a comfortable 67-run win over Grenada in the first game of their pre-season tour yesterday.
The Dutchman, who has yet to play a Championship game for the county, shared in a first-wicket partnership of 168 with Michael Yardy.
He struck nine boundaries before retiring on exactly 100.
Yardy grew in confidence after a cautious start to make 73, but Sussex wickets fell regularly after his departure although acting captain Richard Montgomerie scored 27 before the innings closed on 247-7 from 50 overs.
Grenada struggled to get going in their reply although opener Kester Sylvester made 50 in style before Mark Davis bowled him around his legs for 60 to collect his first wicket for Sussex.
Yardy finished with 2-43 but Sussex's bowling star in the 85 degree heat was Mark Robinson. He removed Junior Murray, the former West Indies wicketkeeper, before returning to the attack to take three wickets in five balls in the first over of a new spell.
Robinson removed Moore and Clyde Tetsford after they added 59 in ten overs for the sixth wicket before trapping Gordon Ettienne lbw with his final ball as Grenada were dismissed within 44 overs.
Coach Peter Moores said:
It was nice to win, although we did look a bit rusty at times
when we bowled. Some of the lads needed the workout and the heat
made it difficult but I was pleased for Bas
and Michael - they batted
well."
n.b. No mention made of Matthew Prior - perhaps that is to be expected at this stage.