Sussex Second XI suffered defeat against Essex by 72 runs in the first of eight group games in the one-day Trophy.
Chasing a target of 266 at Bishops Stortford, Sussex were bowled out for 193 with 2.2 of their 50 overs remaining.
Sussex subsided after Krishnah Sing (40) and Tony Cottey (37) shared a six-wicket stand of 51.
Essex posted 265-5 after choosing to bat, with James Middlebrook firing 80 and Barry Hyam an unbeaten 69. Off-spinner Cottey was the most economical of Sussex's bowlers with 1-37 in 10 overs, his wicket coming when he had Minal Aktar leg before.
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