Heads are being held high in the Sussex camp, despite a 57-10 defeat to County Championship favourites Cornwall in the last eight.

The visitors had their moments in front of a partisan crowd of about 3,000 but conceded four tries in 15 minutes either side of half-time.

Ben Coulson gave Sussex an early lead with a penalty and they were still only 5-3 down after 27 minutes.

Dave Wattam, Jack Smallman, Jon Graham and skipper Jodie Levett produced some particularly notable defensive work while Simon Bradford had the honour of scoring Sussex's try, with Smallman converting.

Selector Mel Cook said: "We surprised them for 20 minutes but they are a very good side."

Redruth winger Craig Bonds scored a hat-trick of tries for the hosts.

Sussex host Middlesex at Horsham on Saturday to decide their final placing, which will be between fifth and eighth.

Sussex: Cook, Coulson, Smallman, Butler, H. Goodburn, Graham, Meredith, Piggott, Hems-ley, Edwards, Cox, Lyall, Wattam, Rankin, Levett. Reps (all used): Ure, Dinsdale, Pymm, Bradford, Swain, O'Hagan, Lacey.