Mark Stoneman ton puts Durham on top at Sussex

Mark Stoneman hit a century to help County Championship Division One title-chasers Durham take control on day one against Sussex at Hove.

Stoneman (128) and a half-century from Dale Benkenstein (64) helped the visitors reach 360-9 at the close.

Having chosen to bat and at one stage been 249-3, a mini-collapse saw Durham lose six wickets for 84 runs.

Sussex bowlers James Anyon (3-111) and Wayne Parnell (3-117) claimed three wickets apiece.

Stoneman has now scored two of his three first-class hundreds against Sussex, having made his Championship debut in 2007.

He was eventually dismissed just six overs before the close, caught by England wicketkeeper Matt Prior off Parnell, having reached his 128 in 254 balls, hitting 19 fours and a six.

The left-hander put on a partnership of 99 with Benkenstein, whose 64 runs off 99 balls included 10 fours.