Peter Moores celebrated the third trophy during his eight years in charge of Sussex cricket on Sunday.

He declared: "It's ended just how I wanted it to."

On his last day with the county after two decades as player and coach Moores lifted the totesport League second division trophy after Sussex thrashed Yorkshire at Hove.

The Sharks routed Yorkshire for just 99 before skipper Chris Adams, whose enduring partnership with Moores has been so vital to Sussex's success, hit the winning runs in an eight-wicket win.

A tearful Moores, who was also presented with the Team Man of the Year award, by the players said: "The scenes at the end when we won the trophy in front of all our supporters made me wonder if I made the right decision to leave.

"It was a fantastic performance, just how I would have wanted things to finish.

"The passion and commitment in our fielding and bowling display was just what you would want to see as a coach."

Moores heads to his new job as director of the ECB's National Academy at Loughborough convinced things are in place for Sussex to build on this season's success which also included a third-placed finish in the Championship.

"We're in the first division of both competitions and when you hear from an established county like Yorkshire that they see us as a county to follow it shows we must be doing something right."

Meanwhile, Adams is expected to sign a one-year extension to his current contract which will keep him at Hove until the end of the 2007 season at least, when he will be 37.

Adams revealed: "I'm considering the offer of a one-year top-up and I don't envisage going anywhere else. I think I have been loyal to Sussex and I'm sure they will be loyal to me."

Chairman David Green said: "Chris's record speaks for itself. He's Sussex through and through and we want him to stay here for a long time to come."

The county have also agreed a new two-year contract with fast bowler Rana Naved whose 54 wickets in nine games helped make Sussex the best side in the country in the second half of the season.

His appearances could be limited if he is chosen for Pakistan's tour of England in 2006 and the county have already begun considering their options to sign a short-term replacement.

Rana was named Player of the Year and also won the trophy for the season's outstanding performance - his 139 and four wickets in an over against Middlesex at Lord's.

Mike Yardy was Most Improved Player and Carl Hopkinson won the 1st XI Fielding Award while 2nd XI Player of the Year was off-spinner Ollie Rayner. The fielding award went to Sean Heather.

There were also presentations to retiring scorer John Hartridge and groundsman Derek Traill.

Monday, September 26, 2005