Sussex-Gloucestershire match on a knife-edge

Danny Briggs took a vital wicket / Picture by PW Sporting Photography

Four wickets in 17 balls boosted Sussex's chances of claiming their first Championship win of the season against Gloucestershire at Hove.

Chasing 167 to win, Gloucestershire looked in control when they reached 69 for 1. But Stiaan van Zyl picked up two wickets in successive balls and then had Jack Taylor caught behind.

Ollie Robinson claimed the key wicket of opener Benny Howell for 45 as Gloucestershire slumped to 72 for 5.

As the light deteriorated, Sussex were forced to bring on left-arm spinner Danny Briggs who removed Graeme van Burren after van Burren had added 23 with Ryan Higgins.

But conditions got too worse and when the players came off because of bad light Gloucestershire were 108 for 6, 59 runs from victory with Sussex requiring four more wickets.

A dire forecast for Monday suggests the game might end in a draw which would be a pity.

Van Zyl said: "I don't think I have played when it's been so cold. There must be a law when it gets below 10 degrees you have to come off! Seriously, it's okay when you're bowling but standing in the field is not much fun. I had four layers on all day and was still freezing.