Sussex are today celebrating one of the greatest days in their history after an unbelievable against-the-odds triumph over Lancashire.

The county's 20-year wait for victory in a Lord's final looked set to continue after they were dismissed for 172 in the C&G Trophy final.

But inspired by man of the match James Kirtley, who took 5-28, Sussex bowled out Lancashire for 157 to squeeze home by 15 runs.

Skipper Chris Adams said: "It was an extraordinary day. I felt for every batsman because the conditions were difficult and we scrapped away.

"The thing about this team is they never know they are beaten and James Kirtley was fantastic.

"We've got a great side. Believe me, this is the start of big things for this team. They are young, have great belief and they work unbelievably hard."

Mike Yardy and Yasir Arafat, who both made 37, were the only Sussex batsmen to score more than 30 after Lancashire had made the most of bowler-friendly conditions earlier in the day.

Sussex needed quick wickets if they were to defend such a small total and Kirtley came up with an inspired spell, removing Mal Loye, Nathan Astle and Stuart Law in the space of seven deliveries to reduce them to 27-3.

Dominic Cork looked as if he might drag Lancashire over the finishing line with an unbeaten 35.

But Sussex kept the squeeze on in the field with Mushtaq Ahmed and Luke Wright taking two wickets apiece.

And when Kirtley returned he removed Tom Smith and last man Murali Kartik while Yasir Arafat bowled Sajid Mahmood to spark joyous scenes on the pitch and among the thousands of Sussex fans in the stands.

Mushtaq said: "We thought 180 was about par on that wicket and James and Yasir bowled beautifully."

Wright added: "We've got such a good team spirit and everybody kept putting their hand up. Now we're aiming for three out of three - we've got a great chance in the Championship and we're not out of the Pro40 either."