I can't agree with the comments made about Sussex cricket club (Letters, July 13).

Due to the way the fixtures pan out and with emphasis currently on one-day cricket, things look worse than they are.

At present, Sussex aren't a good one-day side, admittedly, but that's no excuse to walk away from them.

The Twenty20 match at Hove against Hampshire was a fantastic sporting spectacle. The atmosphere was simply wonderful and the fans were genuine cricket lovers.

Yes, Sussex lost, but the team gave everything they had with their bowling and fielding. They were a credit to the club having been virtually booed on to the pitch at half-time.

At the end the fans were breathless. As I say, great entertainment and a great advert for the sport.

Strangely, losing in the fashion they did dulled the fact that they had lost.

Overall this year, things like the weather or the toss haven't generally gone for us.

That isn't an excuse. We are not bowling or batting as well as last year but knowing that confidence is such an important factor, things occasionally need to go your way.

Before last Friday's game, the team had had to sit out two rained-off matches, meaning no time at the crease, the best sort of practice there is. They'd had no actually match practice for a week.

I firmly believe Sussex are doing the best job they can and things will improve, as they have a fine management team in place.

We all just need to get behind them and show them some faith. I find it impossible to understand the criticisms made after what they achieved last year.

-Ian Rumens, Uckfield