County Match Programme 2016-17
Essex beat 12-player Sussex
SCCU Open: Essex 9-7 Sussex
At. Wanstead. The Home fixture against Sussex, postponed from 5 Nov, found Sussex marginally better-placed to contest a match than had been the case on the original date, but they notified four defaults in advance. Essex were not at the same levels of strength as against Kent two weeks ago and over the contested boards the two teams were closely-matched. Not surprisingly, Sussex were unable to fully close the 4-0 deficit at start of play. Essex took the percentage route to victory, recording a win and six draws (8-3) before the first Sussex win, then David Sands drew with Feliks Kwiatkowski to secure the match (8½-4½), for skipper Mark Murrell's first Open win. After another draw, Sussex won the last two games to finish.