Sussex Academy centurion Matt Machan takes the attack to Guernsey bowler Jamie Nussbaumer at Hove. (Picture by Jason Shambrook, 0611245)

GUERNSEY had another tough workout as they lost by 75 runs to the Sussex Academy at the County Ground, Hove.

The day before on the same pitch, the Sarnians had been defeated by Kenya despite having put in a great fielding and bowling performance. If they were expecting an easier game against the academy, they soon had a rude awakening as the cream of the county’s best young players put on a huge total of 299 as Guernsey struggled in the field.

The Greens mustered 224 in reply before being bowled out. ‘You can look at it a number of ways,’ said Guernsey manager Dave Hearse.

‘They were probably a better team than [Thursday’s], they punished the bad ball and we weren’t as disciplined in the field. We dished up more for them to have a go at. Their numbers one and three batted very positively and we couldn’t break the partnership, although the second half of the innings we pegged them back.

‘When batting, again we lost early wickets which cost us dear. At 60 for four, it’s difficult to win. We couldn’t set up partnerships and, really, we were one partnership short of getting close. But lessons have been learnt. Playing quality opposition is what we’re here for.’