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AT the start of play, with Oxford 154 in front and five second-innings wickets in hand, there was an outside chance that an inexperi- enced Sussex side might be embarrassed.

However, some disciplined bowling and a series of strokes best described as disappointing meant that six wickets had fallen for the addition of only 25 runs in 14 overs. The belated resistance from James Averis and Alex Scrini served only to add to the stu- dents' frustration at a lost opportunity.

The two main beneficiaries of the batsmen's generosity were the left-arm seamer, Chris Batt, and off-spinner Justin Bates. Both were making their first-class debuts and both finished with four wickets.

Batt maintained a lively pace, probing around off stump. James Bull had to stretch a long way to edge to the wicketkeeper and Lar- ry Buchanan touched a lifting delivery to be smartly taken at second slip. At the other end, Chetan Patel prodded a regulation Bates delivery tamely to short leg before Averis and Scrini showed what could be done.

Sussex were eventually set 222 to win, moving smoothly to the target for the loss of only Neil Lenham.

Nottinghamshire are hoping to sign New Zealand batsman Nathan Astle as their overseas player. Astle, 25, has been lined up as a replacement for Pakistan's Mohammad Zahid, whose contract has been terminated.