Mitchell guides County to victory over champions (From Worcester News)

Mitchell guides County to victory over champions

7:26pm Sunday 27th September 2009 in

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DARYL Mitchell’s stunning fielding display helped give Worcestershire Royals an emphatic 49-run victory over Sussex Sharks in NatWest Pro40 Division One.

The Badsey-born all-rounder produced one run out, a wicket and two catches, including a fantastic diving, one-handed effort.

Mitchell ran out Mike Yardy off his own bowling when he deflected Chris Nash’s drive on to the stumps when the non-striker was stranded out of his crease.

The 25-year-old then removed Nash for eight when he picked out Moeen Ali before Mitchell at short fine-leg dived to remove Andrew Hodd for 22 and wrapped up the innings by catching James Kirtley off Ian Fisher.

Sussex hit Jack Shantry for 16 early on but the wickets started to tumble in the third over as Chris Whelan dismissed Rory Hamilton-Brown for 17.

The departing Gareth Batty picked up 3-45 in his final match for the Royals, while Ian Fisher, who is leaving following his release, claimed 3-18 as the Sharks were bowled out for 165.

Earlier, Steve Davies hit a rapid 33 in his final innings for the Royals, while Moeen’s 75-ball half-century was the cornerstone of Worcestershire’s 214-6.

It did not appear to be enough despite 36 from Ben Smith, 33 from skipper Vikram Solanki and an unbeaten 27 from Mitchell, but Worcestershire were determined not to let their dismal season end in a loss.

They finished third in the table with Sussex winning the title after Somerset lost to Durham.