Surrey rampant as Sussex struggle

County Championship D1, Hove: Sussex 365 and 35-2 v Surrey 626-3d (stumps, day three)

Match scorecard

Champions Sussex were staring down the barrel of another defeat after being bowled out for 365 in pursuit of Surrey's 626-3 declared at Hove.

Mark Butcher then enforced the follow-on, and Matt Nicholson took two wickets to leave Sussex reeling at 35-2 in their second innings.

Nicholson had earlier taken five first innings wickets to leave Sussex 261 runs adrift of Surrey's huge total.

Murray Goodwin hit 119 but only Richard Montgomerie (78) offered much support.

Former Zimbabwe star Goodwin did his best to launch a rearguard action after his side resumed on 109 for one, and his 119 was his 31st first-class 100 for Sussex.

The 36-year-old scored 15 fours in his 200-ball innings and shared in half-century stands with Montgomerie (78) and skipper Chris Adams (32) before later adding 83 for the fifth wicket with Andrew Hodd (43).

Nicholson shouldered the burden of a below-strength Surrey attack and got through 29 overs as Sussex's last six wickets fell for a disappointing 52 in 21 overs.