Richardson in fine form as County struggle (From Halesowen News)

Richardson in fine form as County struggle

7:23pm Thursday 2nd August 2012 in Reports

ED Joyce scored a superb 107 to put his Sussex side in a dominant position at 325-7, a lead of 163, in the LV= County Championship Division One match against Worcestershire at Hove.

Joyce, who has led the side only as a stand-in for Michael Yardy in the past, spent a hesitant 26 balls in the nineties but otherwise played a commanding innings.

It was his second century of the season, his ninth for Sussex and the 28th of his career. He reached three figures from 217 balls and there were 12 fours.

In reply to the slender Worcestershire total of 162 Sussex, who had started the second day on 22 without loss, looked unlikely to build a significant advantage when they were 65-3 in the 26th over.

Chris Nash had lost his off-stump to a delivery of full length from Alan Richardson, Luke Wells had been caught at second slip off the same bowler and Murray Goodwin, who is having a difficult season in the Championship, had fallen lbw, half-forward to Richard Jones.

Michael Yardy gave Joyce some support, with a 46-ball 33. But the captain’s best partner was Luke Wright, who thumped eight fours and a six — over square-leg off Richardson — in his 132-ball 78.

Joyce, meanwhile, reached his hundred when he flicked a full toss from Moeen Ali through mid-wicket for four.

When he was out, caught on the crease by the impressive Richardson, his 107 had taken him five and-a-half hours. And Sussex, at 249-5, were well on top.

Richardson, bowling from the sea end, was Worcestershire’s most economical and penetrative of the main bowlers.

But the pitch was less lively than it had been on the opening day, especially when it became older, the clouds dispersed and Worcestershire had to work for their rewards.

When Wright was sixth out at 275, in the 90th over, caught at second slip, they were through the main batsmen.

But further resistance came from wicketkeeper Ben Brown and fast bowler Steve Magoffin, as the bowlers tired.

Magoffin, left-handed and aggressive, hit four fours in an unbeaten 29 while Brown also struck four boundaries before he was out, just before the close, for 28. The pair put on 45 in 12 overs.

Worcestershire, with some help from the weather, managed to avoid defeat by Sussex at New Road earlier in the season. They might need some more luck this time.