Bears can draw on positives of their solid start

WARWICKSHIRE and Sussex banked solid points from a draw after their high-scoring Rothesay County Championship Division One match drifted up the predictable cul-de-sac at Edgbaston.

- By ECB REPORTERS NETWORK

Sussex declined to set up a contest on the final day, batting themselves safe before finally declaring their second innings on 313 for seven (Tom Alsop 82 not out from 131 balls). That set the Bears a notional target of 388 in a minimum of 44 overs.

Warwickshire closed on 104 for two, Rob Yates ending unbeaten on 65 (82 balls) to complete his excellent start to the season with 180 runs for once out, three wickets and a catch in the match.

If the fourth day offered less than thrilling fare for the spectators, there was plenty of satisfaction from the match for both teams - Sussex on their return to the top flight and Warwickshire having narrowly avoided relegation last year - at making a solid start to the season.

Bears' first-team coach Ian Westwood said: “It was quite an emotional day, but I think there are loads of positives for us to take from the game.