South Africa A took three wickets without conceding a run, but it was not enough to prevent a spirited fightback by Sussex on Wednesday.
SA A were looking to continue the form which saw them romp to an emphatic 251-run victory over Hampshire in their first warm-up match.
Sussex won the toss and chose to bat.
The openers made a steady start to the innings and reached 83 without loss in the 23rd over. Wiaan Mulder then got the breakthrough SA A were looking for when he trapped Will Beer lbw for 27. In his very next over, Mulder then accounted for Harry Finch, clean bowling him for a 79-ball 48.
Duanne Olivier also got in on the act to leave the hosts in further disarray. First, Olivier, had Philip Salt caught by Jason Smith for just five, before removing Liam Smith the very next ball to leave Sussex reeling at 90-4.
Delray Rawlins (96) and Jonty Jenner (68) then set about resurrecting the Sussex innings. The pair added 172 runs for the 5th wicket in 45 overs to blunt the visitors attack somewhat. Just as the game appeared to be getting away from the SA A, Mulder struck for a third time, ending Jenner’s 114-ball stay at the crease that featured nine fours.
Rawlins hung around for a little while longer and helped Sussex reach 289, before he too was on his way only four runs short of a century, bowled by Junior Dala. Dane Piedt also picked up his first scalp the very next over to bring SA A back into the game.
Danny Briggs and Abidine Sakande ensured no further damage was done by guiding the hosts to 325-7 at stumps on day one.
