Simpson holds up Yorkshire's bowling attack

SUSSEX captain John Simpson made the only half-century so far in a bowler-dominated contest as Yorkshire battled hard for supremacy at Hove.

- By BRUCE TALBOT

Simpson’s 66 on a day when only 51 overs were possible because of rain and bad light helped Sussex to 232 for eight, a lead of 38.

With a day to go a draw still seems the likely outcome - a result which would suit both teams bearing in mind the struggles two of the teams below them in the table - Hampshire and Durham - are having in the penultimate round of matches.

Having started the day on 84 for 4 and still 110 behind, Sussex will be pleased with their efforts in conditions which were never great for batting with a grey canopy of low cloud all day and the ball doing enough off the pitch to keep the seamers interested before Dom Bess, belatedly introduced to the attack, spun two balls sharply to take two wickets in eight balls.