MATT SHINES BUT GORING JUST FALL

Whitcomb smashed 79 going in at No 4, although he was dropped early in his innings, which could have reduced Arundel to 46 for four. Instead, Whitcomb and Mullen put on 78 for the fourth wicket before Whitcomb was caught by Zimbabwean, Gus McVey, off Anurag Garg for 79. He had hit 11 fours and two sixes, one of which, off Garg, sailed into the gardens across Goring Street.

Mullen was bowled by McVey '” whom Whitcomb hit for 17 in his first over '” before Will Clarke and Rakesh Parmar put on 39 for the seventh wicket in just five overs, but fell three runs short of the 200 mark.

Goring's 13-year-old opening bowler Matt Keene, an excellent prospect already on the Sussex books, bowled some excellent deliveries in the final over, which ended up going for seven after Clarke hit a four through mid-off off the last ball.

Arundel captain Mullen was pleased with his side's efforts with the bat, while Goring skipper Duncan Waitland felt Arundel had scored a few too many runs toward the end of their innings.

This looked the case early on, as Mullen dismissed Dan Kearney and McVey in consecutive balls which reduced Goring to 10 for two.

Chris Bird with an excellent 52 and Richard Stanley rebuilt the innings, but they were dismissed within four balls of one other, and Matt Stevens and Gareth Cook followed shortly after which left Goring on 89 for six.

Parmar's spin caused Goring numerous problems and he took 3 for 28 off 15 overs.

Mullen brought himself back on to claim three more wickets, but left-arm spinner Neil Chitty took the final wicket, of Chris Geere, with just three balls to go.

Arundel are at home to Burgess Hill on Saturday while Goring have a free week.