A FLUENT eighth-wicket partnership of 96 in 21 overs between David Wiese and George Garton put Sussex on top against Worcestershire at Hove.

The first half of the second day’s play was washed out but Wiese and Garton made up for that after the overnight pair of Ben Brown and Tom Clark fell in successive overs.

Wiese struck a powerful 47 from 72 deliveries with eight fours but Garton was even more impressive with a career-best unbeaten 59.

Fast bowler Garton faced just 68 deliveries and hit nine fours. He reached his 50 with an extra-cover drive for four off Ed Barnard who was armed with the new ball.

The visitors' pace attack bowled well on a slow surface but towards the end of the day did not make the most of the new ball.

The day was further curtailed when the players left the field eight overs early due to bad light.

When the teams took an early lunch at noon it was with the half-expectation that play would be called off shortly afterwards.

But then the sun came out and play started at 3pm in the County Championship Division Two clash with 42 overs to be bowled.

Sussex resumed on 150-5 and in the 80 minutes before tea progressed to 216-7.

Brown, on seven not out overnight, scored the first runs of the day when he cover-drove Charlie Morris’ third delivery through the covers for four.

The tall, left-handed Tom Clark, 18 and making his first-class debut, pulled a short delivery from Adam Finch to square-leg for four.

When Wayne Parnell replaced Morris at the sea end Clark punched another boundary through the covers.

But then, flashing at a wide delivery without moving his feet, he was caught by Riki Wessels at first slip for 13.

And in the next over Barnard had Brown lbw for 33.

Just before tea Parnell, in the middle of an over, had to be helped from the field clutching his left arm.