Sussex Sharks were given a real scare by the ECB Unicorns before sealing a 44-run victory in the Clydesdale Bank 40 at Hove.

The Sharks were expected to see off a makeshift Unicorns side made up of former pros, minor county players and university players but only sealed victory in the final five overs.

Sussex got off to a flying start after being put in to bat but lost wickets at regular intervals to post 255-8. Chris Nash top scored with 81 and Murray Goodwin made 56.

Jackson Thompson soon ended any thoughts that Sussex would finish the game off quickly as he and Chris Murtagh put on 59 for the first wicket in eight overs.

The Unicorns continued to keep in touch with the scoring rate and with five overs remaining needed 52 to win.

James Kirtley and Rana Naved eased Sussex's nerves though as the last five wickets fell for just four runs. Kirtley took three in one over - including the key wicket of Wes Durston for 51 - to finish with figures of 4-35.