Tony Cottey and Bas Zuiderent both scored half-centuries to help Sussex II to their second one-day Trophy victory at Hove yesterday.

The pair shared a fourth wicket stand of 144 as Sussex beat Essex by 40 runs.

Sussex were put in and posted 209-6 in a match reduced to 35 overs per side because of rain.

Essex could only manage 169-8 in reply, with Rob Wakeford taking 3-33 including the wicket of England wicketkeeper James Foster. Foster, on his comeback following a broken hand, was caught at deep mid-wicket for 11.

Cottey then took a wicket with his first ball as Brighton-born all-rounder Mark Pettini fell in similar fashion to Foster for 33. Pettini added 58 for the fifth wicket with Barry Hyam who also made 33.

Zuiderent (63) earlier struck six fours in 71 balls while Cottey fell immediately afterwards after hitting a six and five fours off 72 deliveries.

Sussex gave a debut to batsman Ravi Nagra who has played second team cricket for Worcestershire and Leicestershire. He made 26 before being bowled by Andrew McGarry.