A CENTURY by Gordon Muchall, rapturously received by the visiting fans, put Durham into an impregnable position at Arundel.

Although he departed for 115, his seventh-wicket stand of 116 with Paul Coughlin took the lead past 370.

Coughlin completed an impressive half-century shortly after his partner's exit and was still there on 57 when Durham reached lunch on 303 for seven, leading by 404.

Their only concern is that the pitch might be flattening. Since 12 wickets went down in the first 48 overs yesterday only three have fallen in 76 overs.

Muchall went in at 13 for four and spent 215 balls over his carefully-compiled century, although most of his 11 fours and two sixes were of the highest class.

As always when he bats as well as this it is impossible to believe that his career average is only 29.44.

He tried to press on after reaching his hundred and was adjudged lbw when trying to late cut leg-spinner Luke Wells.

John Hastings maintained the acceleration with a straight six off Tim Linley when Sussex took the new ball. But the fact that it caused few problems would probably persuade Durham that it is too soon to declare with five sessions left.