Date-stamped : 22 Feb95 - 06:34 CC 1993: SUSSEX v ESSEX (4 days) Hove, 31 August, 01, 02, 03 September 1993 ESSEX WON BY SEVEN WICKETS Hove groundsman Peter Eaton produced a wicket for batsmen to gorge themselves on; there was criticism from Sussex members that it was too good. But they sat back and enjoyed some superb bat- ting as only 20 wickets fell for 1808 runs in four days. It was an aggregate record for a first-class match in England and Sussex`s first-innings 591 was their highest score for 55 years. On the final day, Essex made 411 for victory with eight of their 92 overs remaining, and had little difficulty in doing so. There were seven centurions and two more Sussex players reached the 90s. There was little surprise at Wells` fifth hundred of the season, but spectators were delighted at the less expected centu- ries by North and Greenfield. The highest score came from Pri- chard, whose undefeated 25 included 35 fours and underpinned Essex`s 493 for four in six hours in reply to the 591 from Sussex. Lenham fell one short of 150 after he and Athey opened Sussex`s second innings with a stand of 228 and even Wells must have been uneasy when he declared on the final morning. Prichard went early this time, but Stephenson and Hussain both hit centu- ries as they added 215 in 51 overs. Although they fell in succes- sive overs from Greenfield, Gooch and Salim Malik steered Essex to victory, which Gooch sealed with a six. Chasing the ball un- successfully round the field was not the ideal preparation for Sussex`s NatWest final the following day. Thanks: 1994 Wisden Contributed by cp (help@cricinfo.com)