Sussex failed to impress during their last four matches of the County Championship premier division at Grantham and were relegated.

After winning the first match 7-3 against Glamorgan, captain Ritchie Venner fancied their gold medal chances.

But it was downhill from there. Although Sussex drew 5-5 with winners Essex, they lost vital matches 6-4 to Devonshire and Yorkshire.

Sussex champions Adrian Moore and Rose Rainton failed to find their best form.

Moore managed only three wins and Rainton two from eight.

The decisive moment was Moore's 3-2 defeat by Yorkshire's Mark Smith. Sussex were three points from avoiding the drop but were relegated by the narrowest possible margin.

Venner, who top scored with six wins from eight, said: "Don't worry, we will win promotion next year."

Sussex veterans escaped relegation from the County Championship premier division after beating Surrey 6-3, Cheshire 6-3 and Lancashire 5-4.

Worthing top spinner Peter Bartram starred for Sussex when he beat former England international Mike Johns.