Young left-hander completes maiden century to help secure win for Sussex

Sussex stumbled against Durham on Saturday but survived nonetheless to score a two-wicket County Championship victory at Chester-le-Street. Resuming on 237-4, the visitors needed 72 to win and their mainstay was Luke Wells, who rode his luck somewhat but still completed a maiden century.

The 20-year-old left-hander put together a fifth-wicket stand of 128 with Ben Brown as Sussex moved to within 32 of victory.

But they then lost four wickets for 17 runs, all to Ruel Brathwaite (5-56). Having earlier been troubled by Mitch Claydon, Wells was himself one of the victims.

He made 103 runs in all and his was the sixth wicket to fall – Sussex still needing 21 to win at the time.

However, they steadied themselves to reach their target and celebrate a win which had appeared unlikely at the start of day three, when Durham were 265 runs in front with five wickets in hand.
Day Three
An unbroken stand of 88 between youngsters Luke Wells and Ben Brown has left Sussex in sight of victory over Durham at Chester-le-Street. The duo steered the visitors to 237-4 by the close of day three after they had bowled out their opponents for 210, leaving them requiring 309 in the final innings of the Division One contest.

Wells – the son of ex-Sussex captain Alan Wells bettered the 62 he made on his debut at the end of last season as he reached stumps with 74 to his name. Brown contributing 39 to the partnership after Sussex, who had at one stage been 98-1, lost veteran Murray Goodwin to slip to 149-4 in their run chase.

Durham had begun Good Friday’s action with a 166-run advantage but lost their remaining five wickets in the first hour for the addition of only 44 runs.

Dale Benkenstein, on 38 overnight, did complete his 50 off 65 balls before falling to Monty Panesar, who then bowled Mitch Claydon to wrap up the innings. Rana Naved-ul-Hasan (4-43) claimed the other three wickets.