Sussex are ready to fight fire with fire - despite seeing their season-opener curtailed by snow.

The LV= Insurance County Championship fixture with Lancashire was declared a draw.

Players enjoyed a snowball fight and built a snowman as wintry scenes enveloped Emirates Old Trafford.

Temperatures had earlier risen out in the middle as Sussex resisted their vaunted hosts’ attempt to force a win on the last day.

Aaron Thomason and home skipper Dane Vilas appeared to get particularly heated.

Sussex captain Ben Brown, above, was delighted to see his side dig in.

They were well on course for the draw even before the snow came.

Brown said: “We’ve had a really tough time up here over the last couple of years and you could see the improvements we’ve made.

“To judge from the last session of fiery cricket I think we rather surprised Lancashire and I thought we played a fantastic game.

“It’s just a shame that the weather took a hand on the last two days.

“We fancied our chances bowling last on that wicket.”

Thomason stood firm on 46 not out in the sort of situation which has seen Sussex buckle in recent times.

Brown said: “For Aaron to go and weather the storm, the verbal storm, the body language, everything about that battle was fantastic cricket.”

The game was eventually called off at 3.20pm with Sussex just three runs behind at 103-2 in their second innings.

 Brown, who took the bold step of opting to bat first in April back on day one, even fancied them to push for a win had there been time.

There is certainly a bit to build on as they visit Glamorgan in round two of the new look conference campaign.

Brown said: “I think that was a brilliant performance from our young side. I’m really proud of our efforts.

“To go toe to toe with a really strong Lancashire side, one that you would expect to be up there at the end of the season, was a great start to the season.

“We’ve had a fantastic spirit in training over the winter and I knew we would play as a team this week.

“To see the guys have each other’s backs is something I’m very passionate about.

“I thought it was really hard first-class cricket but Sussex v Lancashire has a fantastic record of fiery games and to renew that and stand up for each other made it a great start to the year.”