In reply, Murray Goodwin (45) and Robin Martin-Jenkins (32) shared a stand of 62 but the Sharks came up 74 runs short, being bowled out for 166.

Bassano was the pick of the visiting batsmen, scoring 55 and sharing half-century partnerships with Michael Di Venuto (22) and Nathan Dumelow (13) as Derby set about building a big total.

The Scorpions went into the game lying fourth from bottom of the Norwich Union Second Division, knowing they need to move up a place if they are to avoid playing a first class county in the third round of the C&G Trophy next season.

Matt Dowman and Jason Kerr shared a 50 partnership at quicker than a run-a-ball late in the innings as Derby saw eight players make double figures, although only Bassano went on to score over 32. Sussex seamer Billy Taylor took four for 39 for Sussex but he did not receive the support from his team-mates his endeavour deserved .

In reply, the Sharks were going along nicely at about five an over when Dowman made a crucial double breakthrough in the 17th over. First the medium-pacer induced an edge from Tony Cottey on 43 which wicketkeeper Luke Sutton snaffled, then he dismissed home skipper Chris Adams first ball, plumb lbw, and Sussex were reduced from 78 for one to 78 for three.

That soon became 93 for four as Kerr nipped one between Tim Ambrose's bat and pad to send him packing for nine. Zimbabwean dangerman Goodwin was still there, however, and he and Martin-Jenkins batted sensibly to ensure Derby had to sweat for their win.

More than 100 was needed off the last 10 overs however, and when Sussex hit the accelerator their problems started. Dumelow made the crucial breakthrough, having Martin-Jenkins caught at deep mid-on by Steve Selwood for 32.

Next over Lian Wharton picked up two in two balls, clean bowling Goodwin round his legs, before having Mark Davis caught at deep midwicket by Dowman first ball.

An over later Sussex lost two in two again. First Dumelow had Carl Hopkinson caught by Selwood at deep mid-on for two, then Di Venuto ran out Paul Hutchison for one. Off-spinner Dumelow wrapped up the win with his third wicket in the 42nd over, Taylor out slogging over mid-on and Kevin Dean taking the catch.

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