NORTHAMPTONSHIRE'S total of 223 from their 50 overs looked a little short on a pitch with a fast outfield, but a disciplined bowling display prevented the visitors gaining any momentum.

Northants lost their first two wickets for 14, Alec Swann soon followed and, at 43 for three, Northants captain Jeremy Snape brought himself up the order. He struggled to find his fluency and fell eight overs later for 14, caught behind.

Kevin Innes then joined Tim Walton and the pair put on 42 in five overs before Walton was bowled for 75. Innes saw the innings through, making 55 not out. Sussex were reduced to 29 for three in a fine opening spell by Dave Follett and Scott Boswell. Jamie Carpenter and Chris Mole then put on 68 before Mole fell to Michael Davies.

Carpenter moved steadily to a fifty from 88 balls but Snape had him caught at backward point for 57. In the following over, Richard Logan took a spectacular catch remove Edwards and Greenfield was caught and bowled next ball for 16. Sussex quickly subsided to 154 all out.