Darren Pattinson’s progress through the Sussex top order was undermined by Matt Prior as the reigning LV County Champions fought back after early losses at Trent Bridge.

Pattinson bowled Carl Nash for 17 and had Michael Yardy and Chris Adams caught for 0 before Prior entered the fray in dominant form.

Carl Hopkinson and Murray Goodwin fell to Charlie Shreck and Paul Franks respectively but Prior hit 19 fours on his way to 131 before being dismissed by Graeme Swann.

Chris Read ended the innings with the stumping of Jason Lewry off Graeme Swann to leave Sussex all out for 277 and the visitors continued their fightback with the wickets of Notts openers Will Jefferson and Matt Wood before close of play.

Notts finished the day on 46-2 after Jefferson was bowled by Robin Martin Jenkins and Wood fell lbw to Jason Lewry.