An unbroken opening stand of 372 between Murray Goodwin and Richard Montgomerie put Sussex firmly in the driving seat in their CricInfo match at Trent Bridge against Notts.

The pair batted until the end of the 97th over when Goodwin drove Gareth Clough to the extra cover boundary to reach the first double hundred of his career (375 mine 280 balls 27x4s 2x6s). Chris Adams then declared, with Goodwin 203 not out and Montgomerie 160 not out, setting Notts an improbable 447 to win in a minimum of 101 overs.

In the five overs available on the third evening Guy Welton's poor run of form continued in the unluckiest of circumstances. With him still to get off the mark he was run out at the non—striker's end as bowler James Kirtley deflected Darren Bicknell's straight drive on to the stumps.

Skipper Bicknell and nightwatchman Gareth Clough avoided any further calamities and survived until the close with the score on 16-1.

With a first innings lead of 74 already secured Goodwin and Montgomerie batted throughout the morning session for Sussex to reach lunch on 121—0.

The home attack laboured during the afternoon as both batsmen went on to reach three figures — Goodwin ror the second time in the match and Montgomerie for the third time in his last four appearances against Notts.

The Zimbabwean was at his fluent best during the post—lunch period, scoring 95 in the session, topped off by two huge legside sixes. His 150 (272 mins 217 balls 19x4s 2x6s) arrived immediately after tea.

For the most part Montgomerie was content to give his partner the majority of the strike but he advanced to his highest score for Sussex and then passed his own 150 (319 mins 269 balls 20x4s).

Notts laboured on a flat track and with a lightning fast outfield — but fed both batsmen too many loose deliveries.

With a first Championship victory of the season seemingly an unrealistic option Notts will have to bat responsibly on the final day to achieve a draw.

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