JAMIE Carpenter struck an undefeated 86 as Sussex Second XI took charge on the opening day of their championship match against Lancashire at Middleton-on-Sea. Carpenter's 153-ball innings helped Sussex reach 178-5 after Lancashire were dismissed for only 135 after chosing to bat.

On a wicket giving help to the seam bowlers, Billy Taylor took 4-18 on his second appearance for Sussex while Michael Strong had 3-33.

Only Gary Yates made much headway with 38 as Lancashire were hussledout in 46 overs.

Sussex got off to a shakey start with Wasim Khan (15) and Dominic Clapp (14) falling cheaply, and Bas Zuiderent (17) then put on 50 with Carpenter before falling LBW to Paul Ridgway.

Alex Edwards was sent back by Darren Shadford for 15 as Sussex slipped to 127-4, and a half century stand between Carpenter and Richard Jackson ended just before stumps when Ridgway claimed his third wicket by having Jackson (8) leg before.

Sussex, runners-up last season, went into the game looking on build on their encouraging start of two wins from their opening three games.

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