The first Sussex Area Junior Cricket Week was voted a hit.

Ten teams donned coloured clothing, bowled with an orange ball and used blue wickets as Sussex gave nominated players outside the county squads an opportunity to shine at Hurstpierpoint College.

Alan Smith, who coached Western Warriors to the under-13s crown, said: "It was a real spectacle and the kids loved it."

Warriors under-13s turned up the volume and blasted their way to glory.

Warriors defeated Northern Knights, Southern Sabres and Eastern Eagles to secure their age group crown.

Smith said: "Our success was unexpected. We got together a group of players just for the event and many were meeting each other for the first time.

"Our opponents could call upon players who had played county cricket. On paper we didn't stand a chance. But my players weren't fazed.

"It was the team spirit that got us through.

"I don't think the noise they made intimidated the sides we played, it just reflected how well they gelled as a team. We weren't going to roll over. Our captain Felix Jordan epitomised that spirit and kept everyone going."

Warriors, wearing dark blue, won all three of their matches.

Tom White (33) and Jamie Proctor (23) helped the Warriors score 133 in their opening 40-over match against the Knights.

Fine bowling from Matthew Sewell (3-24), Liam Maskell (3-8) and Ben Cartwright (2-14) helped dismiss their opponents for 92.

Finn Hoolahan made an unbeaten 60 and Cartwright hit 48 as Warriors rattled the Sabres with a five-wicket victory. Cartwright (2-36) and Jack Metters (2-32) were among the wickets as Sabres were all out for 177.

Sewell (40) and Brandon Trimmer (41 not out) guided the Warriors to a seven-wicket triumph against Eagles with Sewell, Metters, Matthew Le Clere and Hoolahan sharing the wickets.

Warriors also triumphed at under-11s with two victories over Eagles.

Brothers Sean (34) and Gary Maskell (42) retired in the nine-wicket win before Robin Cattaneo fired 26 as Warriors secured their second victory over the same opposition by 31 runs.

Coach Ron Gray said: "The Maskells did well, particularly Gary who is only ten, but he showed himself to be a good wicketkeeper and batter. Gary's a footballer with Portsmouth too."

There was confusion at under-15s. The winners have yet to be confirmed because of a miscalculation on the run-rate. The Knights were declared winners on the day but it later emerged the Warriors should have triumphed.

Kim Seward, Warriors under-15s' coach, said: "The mix up was understandable because there was a mad rush at the end to give out prizes. We've been offered the chance of a play-off against the Knights under lights at Hove and will ask the players what they would prefer to do."

Warriors overcame Knights by 119 runs in their opening game. Jon Haynes scored 66 runs and Alex Neilsen claimed 4-6.

Untidy bowling meant the Warriors failed to defend a total of 217, in which Daniel Bridson scored 45 and Haynes 43, against Sabres and they lost by three wickets.

They overcame Eagles thanks to a 67 from Chris Heberlein and Mark Judges claimed 5-51.

Matt Crump hit 142 as the Knights defeated Eagles by 42 runs. David Stevens chipped in with an undefeated 83.

David Keyte totalled 84 and Simon Royle took 5-18 as Knights beat Sabres by 72 runs.

Manager Aqeel Janjua said: "A play-off under lights at Hove would be a good test.

"The whole Area Cricket Week idea is excellent, it gives the kids an extra chance to impress Sussex with their skills.

"It's the whole cricketer you see, not just how the individual performs in the nets.

"Playing for three hours in the hot sunshine requires a lot of tenacity."

Outstanding individual performance in the week came from Andrew Hartridge who scored 130 for Eagles under-13s in a 45-run victory against Sabres. Manager Simon Funnell said: "Andrew was out there the whole game. He was out to the last ball of our innings and then kept wicket."

Steve Peyman, the county development officer, said: "It was a fantastic week. We had 470 players nominated and whittled them down into the ten area squads. The play was of a high level with a bit of razzamatazz. Quite a few players took advantage to impress the county."

The winners of each age group are being lined up to face Hampshire, who are running a similar week.

Also, Sussex Select teams in each age group could face Hants. Peyman said: "We will choose the sides after confirming details with Hampshire."