Sussex made a dismal start to their three-day friendly against Loughborough UCCE at Hove today.

The students were supposed to have provided Sussex's batsmen with the opportunity for some much-needed time in the middle.

But medium-pacer Phil Lewis struck three times in the first hour as Sussex were reduced to 44-4 after James Kirtley, playing his first match of the season, had won the toss.

Loughborough are the strongest of the six university teams and Lewis showed why as he removed Richard Montgomerie, Tony Cottey and Tim Ambrose.

Michael Yardy fell to David Wigley and it was left to Matt Prior and Kevin Innes to start a rebuilding job.

Sussex rested several senior players including Chris Adams, Ian Ward and Murray Goodwin while Jason Voros made his first-class debut.