Priory ace hits fifty for Sussex

The 21-year-old from South Africa was run out for exactly 50 off 85 balls with five fours during the LV County Championship match away to Durham.

Wernars forged a sixth wicket partnership of 106 with wicketkeeper Ben Brown as Sussex recovered from 67-5 to 211 all out after losing the toss and being asked to bat on day one at Chester-le-Street.

Making his first County Championship appearance since the home fixture against the same opponents at Arundel during July, Wernars later came on at first change with the ball.

He conceded 25 runs from his eight overs as Durham reached 121-6 shortly before the close after Monty Panesar, who made five appearances for Bexhill in 2010, picked up two quick wickets, including that of Paul Collingwood.

Having featured for the first team in limited overs cricket on a number of occasions this term, another Priory man, Matt Machan, was given his chance in the four-day game.

He fell for four, caught by former England captain Collingwood off England seamer Graham Onions. Ex-Priory player Michael Yardy was out for seven on a day for the bowlers.

Wernars, who has previously played for Western Province and South Africa’s under-19s, made an unbeaten 152 while captaining Sussex seconds against Ireland A at Blackstone last week.