SUSSEX Sharks had Ravi Bopara to thank after his unbeaten 62 guided them past former side Essex Eagles in the Vitality Blast at Hove.
Batting first, Essex set a target of 148, with Tom Westley (53) and Michael Pepper (38) leading the charge for the Eagles.
Chris Jordan was the pick of the bowlers for Sussex with 3-30.
Sussex’s innings didn’t get off to the best start after skipper Luke Wright was dismissed for a first-ball duck.
But Bopara, who spent 17 years at Essex, was able to steady the ship, hitting an impressive unbeaten 62 off 46 deliveries.
At the halfway mark of their run cha...