The Sussex Sharks recorded a narrow six-run victory over Gloucestershire in their T20 Blast match at Hove.
The visitors won the toss and put Luke Wright's men into bat - a decision that looked to be a good one when the Sharks skipper was dismissed for just three.
However, Carl Nash and Mahela Jayawardene got the Sussex innings moving along with an array of shots around the wicket.
The duo edged the home side past the 50-run mark to bring up the half-century partnership, and were looking good at the crease before the Sri Lankan was bowled by Tom Smith for 43.
Nash guided his team over 100 but he fell to the same bowler for 43 to leave Sussex 104-3 in the 13th over.
Matt Machan and Will Beer both notched quickfire scores of 24 and 22 respectively to post a competitive total of 167-5 in their 20 overs.
Gloucestershire's reply got off to the worst possible start as Chris Dent was out first ball lbw to Steve Magoffin.
Skipper Ian Cockbain and James Fuller both departed cheaply as well to leave the visitors in trouble at 39-3.
Hamish Marshall kept the innings together to guide his team over the 50-run mark, but he was then stumped off the bowling of Beer for 43 and Peter Handscomb soon followed him back to the pavilion.
Former England wicket-keeper Geraint Jones offered some resistance with a knock of 25, before being bowled by Tymal Mills as the home side began to turn the screw.
Jack Taylor gave Gloucestershire hope as he blasted three fours and two sixes to keep his team in touch with the required run-rate, but Mills returned to clean bowl him for 35 and secure the victory for Sussex.
Simon Sinclair
